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Elydes #1
Elydes: A New Dawn: A LitRPG Adventure
A dangerous new world. A mysterious Guide. To survive, he must grow stronger, learn magic, and fast.
Mat thought he hit the jackpot when he got reincarnated on a tropical island. Where his dreams of exploring mysterious lands and learning magic are a concrete possibility.
But world of Elydes is as wild and savage as it is beautiful and magical.
Though the mysterious Guide is impartial to all, Mat has the lowest starting point possible. Those like him rarely go far.
To not let his humble rebirth define his life, he'll need to find the determination to progress in power so that he may unlock the mysteries of Elydes. Only then, can he rise.
Don't miss the start of this Isekai LitRPG adventure about a young man with a second chance to find his true potential. Filled with plenty of progression, a detailed System, constant growth, slice-of-life elements, xianxia elements, and so much more!
Mat thought he hit the jackpot when he got reincarnated on a tropical island. Where his dreams of exploring mysterious lands and learning magic are a concrete possibility.
But world of Elydes is as wild and savage as it is beautiful and magical.
Though the mysterious Guide is impartial to all, Mat has the lowest starting point possible. Those like him rarely go far.
To not let his humble rebirth define his life, he'll need to find the determination to progress in power so that he may unlock the mysteries of Elydes. Only then, can he rise.
Don't miss the start of this Isekai LitRPG adventure about a young man with a second chance to find his true potential. Filled with plenty of progression, a detailed System, constant growth, slice-of-life elements, xianxia elements, and so much more!
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Published June 18, 2024
623 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
July 3, 2024
eh
I wanted this book to be better than it was. Maybe the next one will be better. The MC is just really young and doesn’t seem possible
I wanted this book to be better than it was. Maybe the next one will be better. The MC is just really young and doesn’t seem possible
August 16, 2024
Slow with little progression
The story drags and I considered dropping it multiple times. There just isn't any decent sense of progression. The Mc is lackluster and for whatever reason is not as smart as you would think he should be for his actual age
The story drags and I considered dropping it multiple times. There just isn't any decent sense of progression. The Mc is lackluster and for whatever reason is not as smart as you would think he should be for his actual age
July 10, 2024
Depressing
Slow. Huge downer. Quit at 20 percent. Hated it. Angry that I wasted this much time on it. Maybe it gets better.
Slow. Huge downer. Quit at 20 percent. Hated it. Angry that I wasted this much time on it. Maybe it gets better.
October 20, 2024
I'm willing to give this a go, hopefully I enjoy it.
I thought this would have been about a strong willed person using his knowledge accumulated on earth to be better in his new life. It turned into a slight carpet letting people run over him, and when he got the power to get revenge, he does nothing.
I won't be reading the sequel.
This was okay for people that like passive protagonists, for me, it was not.
Maybe he does something in the future, I don't care.
Hmm.
3/5 Stars
I thought this would have been about a strong willed person using his knowledge accumulated on earth to be better in his new life. It turned into a slight carpet letting people run over him, and when he got the power to get revenge, he does nothing.
I won't be reading the sequel.
This was okay for people that like passive protagonists, for me, it was not.
Maybe he does something in the future, I don't care.
Hmm.
3/5 Stars
June 19, 2024
Nice version of isekai'd as a child
An easily likeable MC who, after dying young on earth, works hard to make the most of a second life in a magical world. In a well-developed world and magic system, he deals with a good mix of tragedy and good fortune without too much of either. He works hard, takes advantage of opportunities, and makes a number of good connections that influence his growth.
The surrounding characters are a good mix of well fleshed out individuals with visible goals and motives.
Overall, excellent storytelling with good attention to grammar and pacing.
An easily likeable MC who, after dying young on earth, works hard to make the most of a second life in a magical world. In a well-developed world and magic system, he deals with a good mix of tragedy and good fortune without too much of either. He works hard, takes advantage of opportunities, and makes a number of good connections that influence his growth.
The surrounding characters are a good mix of well fleshed out individuals with visible goals and motives.
Overall, excellent storytelling with good attention to grammar and pacing.
January 16, 2025
Amazingly told and a system worth sinking into
Its been a long time since I have been so enraptured in a story. The only thing that was hard to be believable was the age of the character. Other than that thoroughly enjoyable
Its been a long time since I have been so enraptured in a story. The only thing that was hard to be believable was the age of the character. Other than that thoroughly enjoyable
October 19, 2024
slice-of-different
‘Hey, you’ve been reincarnated so you must be the hero.’
‘No, wait. You’re not.’
I really like how the MC initially *seems* to have a massive advantage, but then discovers his ‘head start’ is laughable *anywhere* else.
Not fast paced; sort of Mark o/t Fool as he develops. Big crafting component.
Going to buy book 2 now.
‘Hey, you’ve been reincarnated so you must be the hero.’
‘No, wait. You’re not.’
I really like how the MC initially *seems* to have a massive advantage, but then discovers his ‘head start’ is laughable *anywhere* else.
Not fast paced; sort of Mark o/t Fool as he develops. Big crafting component.
Going to buy book 2 now.
February 9, 2025
I love isekai stories, so it was only a matter of time before i tried this. Elydes wasn't that bad, it's standard litrpg with power ups albeit a slow one. I'll still try the next book but I'm not that eager too. Hopefully there is more of a story in the next one.
June 18, 2024
A LitRPG that doesn’t let the numbers get in the way of the story
Lots of fun, leisurely pacing, an original world, and an engaging protagonist and cast of characters.
As someone who normally avoids LitRPGs, the stats and so on haven’t distracted me from the story so far, so I recommend this story to anyone who is stats-hesitant if you’re craving some escapist fun.
Lots of fun, leisurely pacing, an original world, and an engaging protagonist and cast of characters.
As someone who normally avoids LitRPGs, the stats and so on haven’t distracted me from the story so far, so I recommend this story to anyone who is stats-hesitant if you’re craving some escapist fun.
June 18, 2024
Very fun progression fantasy
I follow this story on patreon. It’s an entertaining story and I particularly like the nuanced approach to economic and political events in the setting impact the main character even though he’s an ordinary citizen and not a power player.
I follow this story on patreon. It’s an entertaining story and I particularly like the nuanced approach to economic and political events in the setting impact the main character even though he’s an ordinary citizen and not a power player.
June 18, 2024
Great Read
Have been reading this since it came out on royalroad.
Great world building, with an interesting and unique take on a LitRPG type book.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a good read and something different in this genre.
Have been reading this since it came out on royalroad.
Great world building, with an interesting and unique take on a LitRPG type book.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a good read and something different in this genre.
June 20, 2024
A pleasant surprise
I enjoyed how the protagonists childhood isn't glossed over. And he actually experiences some struggle.
He does get some lucky breaks, but he does have to work for his success. Enjoyed it and will read the next one.
I enjoyed how the protagonists childhood isn't glossed over. And he actually experiences some struggle.
He does get some lucky breaks, but he does have to work for his success. Enjoyed it and will read the next one.
July 11, 2024
4 star means I liked it. I'll probably read more, when more becomes available.
Pretty well written story, where a reincarnated guy does mana things in a colonised archipelago while he fights beasties and helps his new family.
Characters are not that complex, but mostly believable. They have their own motivations and backstories most of the time, though most of them can be basically summarised in 3 words ("grumpy, well-meaning mentor" or "kind, attentive sister"). Sometimes there are 1 dimensional people who are only there to be assholes, which is a bit of a shame, but it's not that egregious. MC does have a tendency to be an annoying little kid at times, but it's a normal (NOT He Who Fights With Monsters) level of annoying. On the other hand, I found him funny sometimes as well (incredibly subjective), so *shrug*
Power system is pretty well developed. Nothing mind-bogglingly original, but I especially like how the number of skills are limited. It adds some weight to each skill choice and prevents skill bloat.
The plot is also more or less believable, but this is where the story lost a star for me. MC is incredibly reactive, and he's basically just riding the wave of each random event happening around him. This makes sense, since he's a child for most of the story, but it can still be tiring after 3 books of reacting to everything.
His life is also way too action-packed. It's just one random hardship after another, and each time he gets over one, magically another appears. This makes sense, no one wants to read "MC woke up, nothing really happened, MC went to sleep", but it felt like the transitions between the random hardships were a bit janky here. Every time he gets settled in to spend time with his family, within a month (but sometimes within a single day), there's either a terrorist attack, a wild beast, or an asshole government official who makes him leave. No ones life is that eventful. It approaches 24 (the TV-show) levels of brow raising.
I overall recommend reading it. Probably won't change your life, but I really enjoyed it so far.
Pretty well written story, where a reincarnated guy does mana things in a colonised archipelago while he fights beasties and helps his new family.
Characters are not that complex, but mostly believable. They have their own motivations and backstories most of the time, though most of them can be basically summarised in 3 words ("grumpy, well-meaning mentor" or "kind, attentive sister"). Sometimes there are 1 dimensional people who are only there to be assholes, which is a bit of a shame, but it's not that egregious. MC does have a tendency to be an annoying little kid at times, but it's a normal (NOT He Who Fights With Monsters) level of annoying. On the other hand, I found him funny sometimes as well (incredibly subjective), so *shrug*
Power system is pretty well developed. Nothing mind-bogglingly original, but I especially like how the number of skills are limited. It adds some weight to each skill choice and prevents skill bloat.
The plot is also more or less believable, but this is where the story lost a star for me. MC is incredibly reactive, and he's basically just riding the wave of each random event happening around him. This makes sense, since he's a child for most of the story, but it can still be tiring after 3 books of reacting to everything.
His life is also way too action-packed. It's just one random hardship after another, and each time he gets over one, magically another appears. This makes sense, no one wants to read "MC woke up, nothing really happened, MC went to sleep", but it felt like the transitions between the random hardships were a bit janky here. Every time he gets settled in to spend time with his family, within a month (but sometimes within a single day), there's either a terrorist attack, a wild beast, or an asshole government official who makes him leave. No ones life is that eventful. It approaches 24 (the TV-show) levels of brow raising.
I overall recommend reading it. Probably won't change your life, but I really enjoyed it so far.
October 5, 2025
A fantastic start to an isekai series.
Kai, our protagonist, was really well written. He is enjoyable to watch having to live his childhood years again. He’s genuinely funny and smart. But is not the boring typical older person locked in a young persons body. He has fun as a kid. He enjoys being in a healthy body where he can be silly and go an adventures. He likes to playfully tease his sisters and compete with them. Balanced with he loves to learn, and make grand plans and quietly protect his family from the shadows. It’s a really great balance of him being quite literally both and adult and a child at the same time.
The side characters are great. They’re all unique and very likeable and relatable. Kai’s relationship with everyone develops very naturally. And it was a very profound and emotional moment when he states and accepts his names as Kai.
I love the world building. You can feel there is a massive scope to the world. There is so much potential for future story.
The power system, The Guide, is interesting in that it has limits and consequences unlike most others. I like the idea that a person improving themselves and “levelling” their species level is actual a physically overwhelming moment. It doesn’t feel bland and brushed over, it’s a big deal.
I like guessing what Kai will do with himself as he grows. He’s building a good set of skills. But until he’s old enough to lock onto a “profession” it will be fun to watch what choices he makes and how he will develop his abilities.
Onto book two!
Kai, our protagonist, was really well written. He is enjoyable to watch having to live his childhood years again. He’s genuinely funny and smart. But is not the boring typical older person locked in a young persons body. He has fun as a kid. He enjoys being in a healthy body where he can be silly and go an adventures. He likes to playfully tease his sisters and compete with them. Balanced with he loves to learn, and make grand plans and quietly protect his family from the shadows. It’s a really great balance of him being quite literally both and adult and a child at the same time.
The side characters are great. They’re all unique and very likeable and relatable. Kai’s relationship with everyone develops very naturally. And it was a very profound and emotional moment when he states and accepts his names as Kai.
I love the world building. You can feel there is a massive scope to the world. There is so much potential for future story.
The power system, The Guide, is interesting in that it has limits and consequences unlike most others. I like the idea that a person improving themselves and “levelling” their species level is actual a physically overwhelming moment. It doesn’t feel bland and brushed over, it’s a big deal.
I like guessing what Kai will do with himself as he grows. He’s building a good set of skills. But until he’s old enough to lock onto a “profession” it will be fun to watch what choices he makes and how he will develop his abilities.
Onto book two!
June 25, 2024
I didn't know anything about the book other than the fact that I liked the cover and that Aethon published the book. Aethon has found and published a plethora of indie authors resulting in a lot of dynamite books to read. In other words I trust 'em! And Ohhhh boy, oh howdy Elydes a New Dawn was grrreat! It wasn't long after I started reading that I realized that I was totally captivated by the storyline! The book's reminiscent of a slice-of-life adventure only more so. As we follow Matt who's Isekaied and transformed into Kai with his birth in the world, where his life starts all over again... With a system that has magic and monsters and power-ups leading to a fast-paced story and Kai finds himself mentality excelling in Elydes! Especially when he's finally apprenticed with a mage, an apothecary, and their what? Butler/Enforcer? no that's not quite right either...
So yeah you should definitely grab the book, better yet get the audio. Because even though I had never heard Ryan H Reid before, I discovered that he gives the book he's reading flavor with a wonderfully nuanced performance.
So yeah you should definitely grab the book, better yet get the audio. Because even though I had never heard Ryan H Reid before, I discovered that he gives the book he's reading flavor with a wonderfully nuanced performance.
July 28, 2025
A breath of fresh air in the crowded genre.
I really liked the author's take on reincarnation. The progression is much more gradual than the typical litrpg, and the MC is not OP in any way, shape, or form.
What makes it stand out, though, is the island setting and what happens to it. The author portrays the social upheaval quite convincingly, and the experience became a believable motivator for the MC's later power progression.
The system is quite unique, and the author takes his time explaining things. Expositions are dolled out piece by piece throughout the book, and there are no dense walls of text explaining irrelevant minutiae. Stat sheets are also used sparingly without getting in the way of the story's momentum.
Overall, this is a really well-done story with a well-thought-out world and a likable MC. The only downside is that this book is more focused on the setup and is a bit thin on plot progression, but that is to be expected for the first book in the series.
I really liked the author's take on reincarnation. The progression is much more gradual than the typical litrpg, and the MC is not OP in any way, shape, or form.
What makes it stand out, though, is the island setting and what happens to it. The author portrays the social upheaval quite convincingly, and the experience became a believable motivator for the MC's later power progression.
The system is quite unique, and the author takes his time explaining things. Expositions are dolled out piece by piece throughout the book, and there are no dense walls of text explaining irrelevant minutiae. Stat sheets are also used sparingly without getting in the way of the story's momentum.
Overall, this is a really well-done story with a well-thought-out world and a likable MC. The only downside is that this book is more focused on the setup and is a bit thin on plot progression, but that is to be expected for the first book in the series.
June 23, 2024
A world where even Systems are interpretive
Been reading this series since it first emerged on Royadroad before it had even past 10 chaps any series that can get me on only the first 10 shows how much world building and potential.
I hope this series begins another litrpg reports has the system in this series is based on how people believe it should be given enemies a hide range of possibilities. This created a world that started in moderation to power Lv type with a start in a slice-of-life type going for the protagonist has he grows up.
It becomes a story that’s more then just how the protagonist lives his life has the story takes real world problems and shows them threw the actions of other chacthers. I can say I’ve been hooked with this series has it’s a real world type that readers will talk about it long after it’s finished.
Been reading this series since it first emerged on Royadroad before it had even past 10 chaps any series that can get me on only the first 10 shows how much world building and potential.
I hope this series begins another litrpg reports has the system in this series is based on how people believe it should be given enemies a hide range of possibilities. This created a world that started in moderation to power Lv type with a start in a slice-of-life type going for the protagonist has he grows up.
It becomes a story that’s more then just how the protagonist lives his life has the story takes real world problems and shows them threw the actions of other chacthers. I can say I’ve been hooked with this series has it’s a real world type that readers will talk about it long after it’s finished.
February 24, 2025
Interesting story. It's one in a group of books I've read recently where the main characterr remembers his past life, only this one doesn't have him remembering being a great mage, or a fantastic warrior, but only a sickly child who diesbefore he's more than a handful of years old. The story is amusing and inteeresting, and I like the cultivation system in this one. It's unique in the books I've read, but it isn't overly complex. It's a good balance, and trying to be realistic, so it provides for some interesting reading. The story is a good one, and I like the main character's refusal to bend to societal expectations by treating others as society thinks he should, especially when he knows such treatment is wrong. Good for him. It's a small piece in the overall story, but I find it a nice piece. I'll definitely be reading more in this series.
August 29, 2024
From beginning to end, the author presented me with plotting elements that surprised me and were highly effective. The main character is really well-designed and believable, if rash, and the supporting cast is deftly drawn. I really felt like I knew many of the cast. That excludes the evil town drunks, but they don't need to be three-dimensional. The magic system is fascinating. The author did a superb job developing that. The world is also very artfully and believably designed. I really have high standards for five stars, and decided to award that as I consider this beautifully written, and contrived to fascinate.
October 1, 2024
One of my better reads of the last year, this book gripped me from the start and kept me interested throughout. I was unfamiliar with the "Reincarnation LitRPG" (although familiar with LitRPG as a whole) and I found the concept quite intriguing. This book had a lot of what I like about Will Wight's Cradle series – interesting main character, fun cast of secondary characters, clear magic system with tons of room for growth, expansive world given in small doses, etc...
My only complaint is that there aren't more books out yet!
My only complaint is that there aren't more books out yet!
August 16, 2025
Rather unremarkable, but in a pleasant way. None of the characters are particularly deep, but it's fine, since the protagonist does not interact with most of them a lot. Interesting worldbuilding which hints at more interesting plot to come, but as of now the plot is very sparse.
In the beginning there are some tragedies, but later on everything is rather lukewarm: few wins, but few losses as well.
There is a certain sense of progress, but it's so slow it makes me question whether anything later on will have the same dynamic sense of pace that the beginning had.
In the beginning there are some tragedies, but later on everything is rather lukewarm: few wins, but few losses as well.
There is a certain sense of progress, but it's so slow it makes me question whether anything later on will have the same dynamic sense of pace that the beginning had.
September 6, 2024
Having the hero of the story re-incarnated as a baby with the mental abilities of a teenager was an interesting idea, but it didn’t really work for me.
As Kai gets older the story becomes more credible, although the author does tend to over explain and describes far too much. Overall it was a decent story and I will definitely be reading the next one in the series.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
As Kai gets older the story becomes more credible, although the author does tend to over explain and describes far too much. Overall it was a decent story and I will definitely be reading the next one in the series.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars.
October 30, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
This book is depressing. I get a bit of negativity, but this one was negative thing after negative thing. Not for me, I read fantasy to escape the crappy world we live in to get the same level of negativity on a book.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
This book is depressing. I get a bit of negativity, but this one was negative thing after negative thing. Not for me, I read fantasy to escape the crappy world we live in to get the same level of negativity on a book.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
December 6, 2024
slow but easy read
If you’re expecting this to be a typical fast paced LITrpg story then you will be disappointed.
It’s extremely slow but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The story and world building are excellent and u can only imagine it will pick up the pace in future editions.
4.5 stars
If you’re expecting this to be a typical fast paced LITrpg story then you will be disappointed.
It’s extremely slow but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The story and world building are excellent and u can only imagine it will pick up the pace in future editions.
4.5 stars
January 6, 2025
Slow
I had to fight my way through the first 125 or so pages. Too slow and too much useless character/plot building. 2 stars for this section. The story became more interesting over the rest of the book, but it's still too slow. The book isn't terrible, so I gave it 3 stars. I plan to read the second book. Hopefully, it will speed up.
I had to fight my way through the first 125 or so pages. Too slow and too much useless character/plot building. 2 stars for this section. The story became more interesting over the rest of the book, but it's still too slow. The book isn't terrible, so I gave it 3 stars. I plan to read the second book. Hopefully, it will speed up.
August 13, 2025
Nice.
If you like solid gamelit and well crafted stories read this addition to the genre. The reborn aspect is played decently, main character is likeable, and I found myself genuinely rooting for his progress.
This seems like it is going to be a long series, a lot happened in a short time, and if it stays this entertaining I am here for it.
If you like solid gamelit and well crafted stories read this addition to the genre. The reborn aspect is played decently, main character is likeable, and I found myself genuinely rooting for his progress.
This seems like it is going to be a long series, a lot happened in a short time, and if it stays this entertaining I am here for it.
August 14, 2025
The Internet recommended this book so i jumped in blind its very slow story progression with lots of over explanation on things making the interest die quickly. Characters feel very bland, if the writer switched the amount of over explaining with the lack of story progression the story would actually flow better.
June 19, 2024
Interesting World building and Start
I've been following this story on RR and am enjoying it very much. The magic/skills are interesting and the world building has been fun. The story has been engaging and I look forward to more!
I've been following this story on RR and am enjoying it very much. The magic/skills are interesting and the world building has been fun. The story has been engaging and I look forward to more!
June 30, 2024
Awesome Read
This was just an awesome read. There is really no other way to put it. It's definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended.
This was just an awesome read. There is really no other way to put it. It's definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended.
July 1, 2024
Just great!
Reincarnation as a baby isn’t usually my thing, but this is handled so deftly that it works perfectly. Great system, characters and I love a crafting story too. Well worth your time.
Reincarnation as a baby isn’t usually my thing, but this is handled so deftly that it works perfectly. Great system, characters and I love a crafting story too. Well worth your time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews