The Runic Artist: Brushstrokes of Defiance

The Runic Artist #4

by Ellake

Nate's time at the Etruan Royal University was turbulent, with attacks from both a fellow crafter and a Ducal House having been sent his way. Though he has come out victorious, the threat still looms, set against a greater backdrop of war with Asmuisil.

Nate would like nothing more than to keep his head down and continue to grow into his potential and indulge in his art. Will those who recognise his rising power let him remain on the side lines or will he be drawn deeper into their games?

Genres: Fantasy

722 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Devan · Rating 5 out of 5]

crafting extravaganza!

This was awesome. I loved all the crafting and character progression. Despite the crafting focus there was still tons of action, world building, and just a great all around story. Loved it.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Very crunchy, almost crafting. Even in the spell work. That isn't to say that the story isn't awesome as well. the MC is certainly progressing, and thiere is an awesome storyline. You know the kind of story that makes you want to read more and learn just what else is just around the corner? In this book, you learn one thing that is just around the corner.. and of course it's big. But before the pair can go down their new adventure, they have to deal with the kingdom and a war. I thoroughly enjoy this book and hope that the next one isn't too far around the corner..

[Dragos Macelaru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent writing skills, good story, almost nonstop action. I hope this series will continue; I'm definitely buying the next book.

[maxamoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait

I'm sadden that I found this series before it Completion, now ill have to wait for each installment. I'm in love with this books.

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The motivation of the MC doesn't feel plausible. The main reason why they don't simply leave the country torn by civil war is "Kiri's parents love their village and will not want to move'. Which simply doesn't make sense. Let imagine what Kiri can say when she talks with her parents and see how that can go:
- "Hey mom, I it is very dangerous for me to remain in this country. If I remain, I expect both the king and many of the nobles to try to kill me. I don't feel any attachment to the country, so how about we all move? You need to move also because if not you will probably be taken hostage soon"
case 1: "Nah, I like my village! You should stay here and risk your life"
case 2: "Nah, I like my village! You should move without us. It's no big deal that we probably be kidnaped and held hostage or killed, and you will need to live with that the rest of your live"

Does that make any sense?

[Paul Clemons · Rating 4 out of 5]

intelligence with no smarts

Good book but this one thing really bugs me. And it probably wouldn’t bug me so much if the mc hadn’t bragged about having smarts along with a high intelligence stat. When playing truth or dare, which essentially they did, nobody with smarts accepts an open ended dare for a truth first. Smarts will always lead you to switch it and find out what the dare is before you ask your truth. If they had asked for their tasks first, they would have found that they were only useful if they stayed alive making the reciprocity for their truths much less than the dares.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series

This is one of my all time favorite series, which is saying a lot considering I read more than sleep.

This entry picks up and carries on, giving answers, progression and moving Nate and Kiri's story on. Loved how the author handles relationships and the personal connections, they really feel real, not forced like so many do in stories.

Overall, keep reading. It'll only get better.

[Shylo Shepherd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the story so far. Keep going ❤️

I'm so grateful for titles like this, that aren't written by AI, that have a coherent story, that's well written with characters that grow, a steady pace, and thougtful details. I really enjoy this story as an artist myself, and can resonate with the characters desire to create. Thanks. Keep it up.

[Matt M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoy this series a lot. Good book. The idea of embodiments is cool but I thought it was weird when the skill gains are linked to classes but changing a class didn't remove/alter associated skills.

[Johnie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoy!

I liked the story. It was easy to pick up where it left off. No cliffhanger but I really want to read the next installment!

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable sequel

A fun little with a proper crafter MC continues! I like where the story is going and I appreciate that the progression feels natural and well thought out!

[james veal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series.

Great premise for books with good characters and a well thought out system. Thought provoking and fun. Can't wait to see more.

[Heli Miranda ahumada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustaron mas los libros anteriores, pero estuvo bastante bien.

[Roberto Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nice continuation