What do you think?
Rate this book
Arcane Kingdom Online #3
The Fallen City
The real world is gone…
Now Clay’s digital home is under threat.
An army of powerful NPCs is on the approach, a whole nation determined to enslave the players from Earth.
Clay has been given the one rare quest that might be able to stop them. He has four days to complete the task.
His second chance is on the line.
There won’t be a third.
Now Clay’s digital home is under threat.
An army of powerful NPCs is on the approach, a whole nation determined to enslave the players from Earth.
Clay has been given the one rare quest that might be able to stop them. He has four days to complete the task.
His second chance is on the line.
There won’t be a third.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2019
447 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Jakob Tanner
20 books178 followersJakob Tanner is the author of three LitRPG series: Arcane Kingdom Online, Tower Climber, and Second Chance Swordsman. His books were inspired by the Final Fantasy video game series, Dungeons and Dragons, and all the MMORPGs that have taken over his life at one point or another.
He likes playing board games, binging anime, and eating yummy food. To keep up to date with his shenanigans (as well as the status of his next book) consider signing up to his mailing list here:
https://www.jakobtanner.com/dungeondi...
Beyond that, Jakob can be found at all the usual places:
Facebook (Reader Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19953...
Facebook (Author Page): @jakobtannerwriter
Twitter: @jakobtanner
Website: www.jakobtanner.com
He likes playing board games, binging anime, and eating yummy food. To keep up to date with his shenanigans (as well as the status of his next book) consider signing up to his mailing list here:
https://www.jakobtanner.com/dungeondi...
Beyond that, Jakob can be found at all the usual places:
Facebook (Reader Group):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/19953...
Facebook (Author Page): @jakobtannerwriter
Twitter: @jakobtanner
Website: www.jakobtanner.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 15, 2019
tl;dr: Arcane Kingdom Online: The Fallen City (AKO:TFC) is another solid entry in the series
This is an unbiased review of the ARC.
Introduction
AKO:TFC is the third instalment in the Arcane Kingdom Online LitRPG series.
It has all the characteristics of the previous books in the series (the reviews of the previous books are linked AKO: Dark Magic & AKO: The Chosen). It is an engrossing read and has some great characters. The story is quite innovative and the mechanics are fun. But, it also happens to be quite short and lease the reader wanting more.
The Story
Some of the new elements in this book are a PVP equivalent battle as well as higher level specializations that Clay finally hits. There are more but I will not spoil all the surprises.
From a story perspective, there is a great resolution to the arc started in Dark City. I really liked both the resolution as well as how it integrated well with the game-play mechanics. I just wished there was some more information on what is happening in the real world though.
Conclusion
If you are into LitRPGs, you really ought to check out this series.
This is an unbiased review of the ARC.
Introduction
AKO:TFC is the third instalment in the Arcane Kingdom Online LitRPG series.
It has all the characteristics of the previous books in the series (the reviews of the previous books are linked AKO: Dark Magic & AKO: The Chosen). It is an engrossing read and has some great characters. The story is quite innovative and the mechanics are fun. But, it also happens to be quite short and lease the reader wanting more.
The Story
Some of the new elements in this book are a PVP equivalent battle as well as higher level specializations that Clay finally hits. There are more but I will not spoil all the surprises.
From a story perspective, there is a great resolution to the arc started in Dark City. I really liked both the resolution as well as how it integrated well with the game-play mechanics. I just wished there was some more information on what is happening in the real world though.
Conclusion
If you are into LitRPGs, you really ought to check out this series.
January 21, 2020
Phew what a breath taking adventure this turns out to be! Clay, Serena, Shade and Kari are travelling on the airship Horizon's Dream venturing on a quest set for them by young King Fergus himself as Laergard is under threat of invasion by the Arethkarians. They set out to travel to the ancient and lost city of Ariellum which once belonged to the Lirana and which hides the ultimate Ultriga Weapon. The government of Arethkar wanted also to destroy and enslave the Chosen of which Clay and Serena are just an example and Clay was damned if he would let humans like himself lose the chance at life they had been given after the Zero virus had wiped out all life on earth because some government feared them. This was their reality now and he would fight to make sure no one takes his freedom again. They only had a few days to solve the quest and the clock was ticking but when they faced so many dangers they started to debate whether destruction was their only option! A very exciting book whereby our group of heroes had to stop Arethkar, free the enslaved Chosen, get to the bottom of all the glitches in the game in order to turn Illyria into a place they could truly live in and not just survive in. This was more than just a game, it was their only life, therefore worth fighting for.
July 16, 2019
Another great book by Jakob Tanner. Personally thought the MC would take a different path but maybe I was just projecting lol regardless it was still a great book I couldn't put it down. Probably the strongest out of the 3 in the series can't wait for the next one!
August 31, 2025
Book 3 of Arcane Kingdom Online really kicks things up. Clay and the gang head off on an airship quest to the fallen city of Ariellum, hunting down a legendary Ultriga Weapon that might be the only way to stop a powerful NPC nation from enslaving Earth’s survivors. The catch? He’s only got four days to pull it off. No pressure.
I had a blast with this one. The airship setting was awesome, and I loved the mix of new mechanics—sky fishing, crazy magic combos, even airship battles. It felt like the game world was leveling up along with Clay. The stakes are way higher here too, since Earth is basically gone and AKO has become home for good.
Clay’s growth as a leader really stood out. He’s still the same guy who cares about NPCs and wants to do the right thing, but now he’s carrying the weight of being the one everyone’s looking to. His moments with Serena, Shade, and Kari brought some humor and heart in between all the intensity.
My only gripe is that a few parts felt rushed thanks to the four-day time limit, but overall this was a super fun continuation—bigger, bolder, and setting the stage for an even wilder ride in Book 4.
I had a blast with this one. The airship setting was awesome, and I loved the mix of new mechanics—sky fishing, crazy magic combos, even airship battles. It felt like the game world was leveling up along with Clay. The stakes are way higher here too, since Earth is basically gone and AKO has become home for good.
Clay’s growth as a leader really stood out. He’s still the same guy who cares about NPCs and wants to do the right thing, but now he’s carrying the weight of being the one everyone’s looking to. His moments with Serena, Shade, and Kari brought some humor and heart in between all the intensity.
My only gripe is that a few parts felt rushed thanks to the four-day time limit, but overall this was a super fun continuation—bigger, bolder, and setting the stage for an even wilder ride in Book 4.
March 26, 2020
The epic series continues with its most powerful adventure yet. When King Fergus gives Clay and his friends a quest that will not only send them to find an ancient Lirana city of Ariellum but also a powerful weapon- Ultriga Weapon. A weapon that could truly decide the fate and control of the A. K. O world; the rare quest will push everyone to their limits, requiring the highest level of skills and magic to defeat the powerful army of NPC characters standing in their way. They can't turn back, no other chances to try again; Clay and his friends will find a way to a defeat the darkest monsters to accomplish their quest... or will wind up dead trying. It's time to get serious and delve even deeper into this brilliant litrpg. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2020
Entertaining
Entertaining book, though I do have some questions with spoilers.
Spoilers——————-
I thought there was a 5 time max use on the Prophetic seals before the user dissolves.
According to my count, in Clay has used it 6 times already:
1 against the mutated raptor mother
2 to revive Fen and Mari
3 to open the dlc content
4 to close the dlc content
5 access the secret room in the summoner plane
6 to attack Kaige.
He should have dissolved, yea?
Entertaining book, though I do have some questions with spoilers.
Spoilers——————-
I thought there was a 5 time max use on the Prophetic seals before the user dissolves.
According to my count, in Clay has used it 6 times already:
1 against the mutated raptor mother
2 to revive Fen and Mari
3 to open the dlc content
4 to close the dlc content
5 access the secret room in the summoner plane
6 to attack Kaige.
He should have dissolved, yea?
September 13, 2024
Book 3 of Arcane Kingdom Online. This fun one was not quite the war novel I was expecting. I loved the direction this one took and was excited to see more character development. I like the time-bound quests and the dynamic quests, what I would like is to see is deeper development of how the quests change. That said it is a minor complaint to all the goodness. A fun RPGLit book, but sensitive readers should be concerned about language.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
November 26, 2025
I rated this 4.5 stars. I did really like this story! I did struggle with Clay being a little high handed early in the book. He needs to figure out his way is not always the best way. I like how the team works together. I enjoyed watching Clay's character class level up and see what Clay picks to become. There is much going on in this world, and Clay and friends may be the world's only chance to survive.
January 28, 2026
Not bad and not really good
Not bad in that the author does a fair job of incorporating some video game elements. Though I do like the brevity of the volumes so far, at times the stories feel a bit rushed. Just interesting enough to want to read at least the next book in the series.
Not bad in that the author does a fair job of incorporating some video game elements. Though I do like the brevity of the volumes so far, at times the stories feel a bit rushed. Just interesting enough to want to read at least the next book in the series.
February 17, 2020
The dialogue and action sequences aren't with in a way that works for me. Very choppy.
I found myself skimming entire sections to just catch the main plot points.
I won't bother to continue the series.
I found myself skimming entire sections to just catch the main plot points.
I won't bother to continue the series.
September 3, 2022
I have read many other LitRPGs by many different authors and I have yet to find Jakob Tanner's equal. The entire AKO series is simply phenomenal. A must read for diehard LitRPG fans and new comers alike.
September 17, 2020
Sky pirates
Again some themes that seem to come from Viridian Gate Online. But it is written well and the problems are tackled in unconventional ways
Again some themes that seem to come from Viridian Gate Online. But it is written well and the problems are tackled in unconventional ways
February 23, 2021
Entertaining
I enjoyed watching clay and the crew’s development and choices.I can see a lot of potential for this series moving forward.
I enjoyed watching clay and the crew’s development and choices.I can see a lot of potential for this series moving forward.
November 5, 2022
Pretty basic plot as fantasy stories go
November 18, 2019
ONE EXPLOSIVE THRILL RIDE!!!
Heads up! Jakob really blows this bad boy out of the water. Taking some low blows. We have foes to fight, enemies to conquer and people to save. Just another day in paradise. A barrage of vexing circumstances and a slew of nerve racking surprises push those conflicting emotions to life smoothly. One thrilling storyline and explosive plot keeps spinning with so many twists and turns you're not sure which way is up. Pushing through the trials and tribulations with so much intense drama, perilous danger and chilling suspense pulls this little gem together delightfully. The characters and their personalities are authentic, intriguing and relatable. Solid individuals who balance out and play off one another brilliantly. The scenes are so graphically detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly from each scenario without a hitch. Remarkable job Jakob, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel.
Heads up! Jakob really blows this bad boy out of the water. Taking some low blows. We have foes to fight, enemies to conquer and people to save. Just another day in paradise. A barrage of vexing circumstances and a slew of nerve racking surprises push those conflicting emotions to life smoothly. One thrilling storyline and explosive plot keeps spinning with so many twists and turns you're not sure which way is up. Pushing through the trials and tribulations with so much intense drama, perilous danger and chilling suspense pulls this little gem together delightfully. The characters and their personalities are authentic, intriguing and relatable. Solid individuals who balance out and play off one another brilliantly. The scenes are so graphically detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly from each scenario without a hitch. Remarkable job Jakob, thanks for sharing this incredible jewel.
July 25, 2019
I was given this ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. This is the 3rd book I've read by Jakob Tanner and the 3rd book I've read in this series.
What can I say that I haven't said in my previous reviews of the Arcane Kingson Online series? The players have leveled up, that means stronger foes and greater challenges which in turn means more excitement. The flow is still great and the characters are still enjoyable. One thing that has changed is either the RPG references are more subtle or I'm so use to them at this point that they seem less odd. Another thing is the writer has leveled up with the characters refining the style of these books as he moves through. This is by far my favorite book so far in the series and I look forward to reading more as they publish.
What can I say that I haven't said in my previous reviews of the Arcane Kingson Online series? The players have leveled up, that means stronger foes and greater challenges which in turn means more excitement. The flow is still great and the characters are still enjoyable. One thing that has changed is either the RPG references are more subtle or I'm so use to them at this point that they seem less odd. Another thing is the writer has leveled up with the characters refining the style of these books as he moves through. This is by far my favorite book so far in the series and I look forward to reading more as they publish.
September 9, 2019
Each of these books just gets better and better. I loved that Clay was faced with a huge moral dilemma between choosing the right and choosing the expedient. I also loved that his friends and allies were the ones who recognized the choice before he did - I felt that it made Clay so much more human and relatable.
One has to wonder what the Chosen in Arethkar did to cause the level of fear and hatred that seems to be present in the Arethkarian people. I mean, the Illyrians, in general, are very distrustful of any Chosen, but it definitely seems to be much worse for the Arethkarians. I’m excited to see how Clay & Co. will work to free the Chosen, but not unleash a plague of enraged Chosen on the populace.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
One has to wonder what the Chosen in Arethkar did to cause the level of fear and hatred that seems to be present in the Arethkarian people. I mean, the Illyrians, in general, are very distrustful of any Chosen, but it definitely seems to be much worse for the Arethkarians. I’m excited to see how Clay & Co. will work to free the Chosen, but not unleash a plague of enraged Chosen on the populace.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 4, 2019
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Cheers
October 20, 2019
A very poorly written book.
Contrived is how I would describe this book. Charecter motivations, conflicts, hell even the retcons from the 1st books are shallow and poorly written.
There are many other issues. Random rule changes, massive plot holes, scenes with gaps in them, but I can forgive that.
If it's a good story, entertaining concept, and compelling characters, then I'm golden. The only thing that came close to compelling was the jrpg aspects of the book.
I can tell you exactly were I was fed up. 81%, when the author wrote himself I to yet another corner and decided ther recreate the rules for the world.
Again.
I was done.
Contrived is how I would describe this book. Charecter motivations, conflicts, hell even the retcons from the 1st books are shallow and poorly written.
There are many other issues. Random rule changes, massive plot holes, scenes with gaps in them, but I can forgive that.
If it's a good story, entertaining concept, and compelling characters, then I'm golden. The only thing that came close to compelling was the jrpg aspects of the book.
I can tell you exactly were I was fed up. 81%, when the author wrote himself I to yet another corner and decided ther recreate the rules for the world.
Again.
I was done.
December 17, 2019
Great continuation
I love how the characters and story are evolving. I can see many more books in the future! Keep up the good work!
I love how the characters and story are evolving. I can see many more books in the future! Keep up the good work!
July 19, 2019
If you love fantasy game adventures, then this fun book should be right up your alley. The book’s interesting characters and action packed plot are plenty to keep readers engaged. This is the third book in the series, so though you could start with this book and enjoy it, I’d recommend starting with book one. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 20, 2019
Another amazing quest
Book 3 definitely upped the ante for this series, deepening the lore and expanding the world. The antagonist was relatable, and the “other option” wasn’t just dropped into the MC’s lap. The book was kinda short but played just like most gamers get to: just enough to complete a quest or two before having to save and turn it off. Ready for book 4!
Book 3 definitely upped the ante for this series, deepening the lore and expanding the world. The antagonist was relatable, and the “other option” wasn’t just dropped into the MC’s lap. The book was kinda short but played just like most gamers get to: just enough to complete a quest or two before having to save and turn it off. Ready for book 4!
August 20, 2019
Another good addition to the series!
Please include recaps at the start of books! Hard to remember things after long waits for the next book.
Good book, clean story with some swearing but not excessive. A little romance but nothing smutty or twisted or explicite.
All in all a good, if short, book!
Please include recaps at the start of books! Hard to remember things after long waits for the next book.
Good book, clean story with some swearing but not excessive. A little romance but nothing smutty or twisted or explicite.
All in all a good, if short, book!
Read
July 17, 2019#ShadeforFirstMate
Arcane Kingdom Online is a great series. Jakob Tanner's Characters inventive use of tactics, buffs and debuffs to win against numerically superior enemies are among the best in the genre. Can't wait to read book 4. Also #ShadeforFirstMate
Arcane Kingdom Online is a great series. Jakob Tanner's Characters inventive use of tactics, buffs and debuffs to win against numerically superior enemies are among the best in the genre. Can't wait to read book 4. Also #ShadeforFirstMate
October 6, 2019
Great installment of the AKO series!
I was instantly pulled back into the story of Clay and co. The characters and world are growing and I am definitely looking forward to the next part in the series.
I was instantly pulled back into the story of Clay and co. The characters and world are growing and I am definitely looking forward to the next part in the series.
June 20, 2020
Good read
Definitely longer than the second book.
Story flows.
Spoiler alert
Something that was briefly mentioned in book two solidifies? In this book.
Binge worthy and onto the next book!
Definitely longer than the second book.
Story flows.
Spoiler alert
Something that was briefly mentioned in book two solidifies? In this book.
Binge worthy and onto the next book!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews