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Rimduum #1
Forged in the Fallout
This genre-bending series takes you deep under the Rocky Mountains into the sci-fantasy kingdom of RIMDUUM. A world filled with neon dreams and nuclear magic. A coming-of-age dystopia centered around dungeons, family, and dangerous secrets—with all the young adult cyberpunk feels and plenty of action-adventure to keep you turning the pages.
Clayson Spangler turned fourteen a couple of days ago—maybe. His father keeps the exact date under a mountain of secrets. But secrets have a way of getting out.
On a tranquil evening in the Appalachians, Clayson's solitary life crashes into his family's impossible past: a kingdom under the Rocky Mountains; his mother enchanted to forget her own son; strange metal objects filled with magic; and his father’s most dangerous secret—mithrium—a metal strong enough to level cities.
Now, Clayson’s father is on the run, his mother is on trial for treason, and Clayson is ordered to hide in the last remaining safehold—Tungsten City. To stay out of danger, he’ll need help from his new friend, Rugnus, a master of elemental magic, and Andalynn, the sister his father had kept hidden from him.
But after years of secrets, Clayson won’t stand by as a world of enemies—both known and unknown—threatens to eradicate his family and ignite a war between the last two cities deep under the Rockies in the Kingdom of Rimduum.
Clayson Spangler turned fourteen a couple of days ago—maybe. His father keeps the exact date under a mountain of secrets. But secrets have a way of getting out.
On a tranquil evening in the Appalachians, Clayson's solitary life crashes into his family's impossible past: a kingdom under the Rocky Mountains; his mother enchanted to forget her own son; strange metal objects filled with magic; and his father’s most dangerous secret—mithrium—a metal strong enough to level cities.
Now, Clayson’s father is on the run, his mother is on trial for treason, and Clayson is ordered to hide in the last remaining safehold—Tungsten City. To stay out of danger, he’ll need help from his new friend, Rugnus, a master of elemental magic, and Andalynn, the sister his father had kept hidden from him.
But after years of secrets, Clayson won’t stand by as a world of enemies—both known and unknown—threatens to eradicate his family and ignite a war between the last two cities deep under the Rockies in the Kingdom of Rimduum.
386 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2021
About the author
Ben Green
6 books34 followersBEN GREEN has always been a storyteller. When he was a kid, he would tear apart his coloring books and assemble them into crossover stories with lots of drama and lots of glue. Then he discovered action figures and took to burning Cobra agents at the stake and writing whole episodes of Star Trek the Next Generation. As a teen, he wrote Star Wars fanfiction and began creating his own worlds on a Brother word processor with a tiny screen and floppy disks. Meaning he’s also very old.
Though he grew up in Arizona and Nevada, Ben now lives in southern Minnesota where he puts his degrees in teaching, history, and technology to use as a social studies teacher for non-traditional students. He is passionate about teen issues and at-risk youth. This may be why he spends so much time with his four children, telling stories, working in the garden, and encouraging them to find something to be passionate about.
Though he grew up in Arizona and Nevada, Ben now lives in southern Minnesota where he puts his degrees in teaching, history, and technology to use as a social studies teacher for non-traditional students. He is passionate about teen issues and at-risk youth. This may be why he spends so much time with his four children, telling stories, working in the garden, and encouraging them to find something to be passionate about.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 30, 2021
It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. The characters and storyline were great. It was a book that I couldn’t put down. It was a great book.
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 3, 2023Nuclear magic and sci-fi fantasy? Count me in!
Forced to seek refuge in Tungsten City, Clayson teams up with Rugnus, a skilled elemental magic practitioner, and Andalynn, his long-lost sister (he had no idea existed).
Fans of fast-paced stories packed with inventive ideas will enjoy Forged in the Fallout. However, I have a few reservations. Firstly, the book could benefit from trimming unnecessary wordiness and excessive use of adjectives and adverbs. Secondly, while the characters are intriguing, they lack depth and complexity.
Now, don't get me wrong. Clayson's emotions and reactions are described, but they failed to truly engage me. It's worth noting that my perspective differs from the numerous opinions of other readers who gave the book enthusiastic reviews.
Regrettably, I decided to stop reading Forged in the Fallout when I reached the 35% mark of the ebook version.
Forced to seek refuge in Tungsten City, Clayson teams up with Rugnus, a skilled elemental magic practitioner, and Andalynn, his long-lost sister (he had no idea existed).
Fans of fast-paced stories packed with inventive ideas will enjoy Forged in the Fallout. However, I have a few reservations. Firstly, the book could benefit from trimming unnecessary wordiness and excessive use of adjectives and adverbs. Secondly, while the characters are intriguing, they lack depth and complexity.
Now, don't get me wrong. Clayson's emotions and reactions are described, but they failed to truly engage me. It's worth noting that my perspective differs from the numerous opinions of other readers who gave the book enthusiastic reviews.
Regrettably, I decided to stop reading Forged in the Fallout when I reached the 35% mark of the ebook version.
September 8, 2022
I met Ben Green at my local fair. He was selling and signing his books. I had never heard of his books and decided to give this one a try. I absolutely loved it!! It is now one of my favorites and I cannot wait to read more.
June 28, 2021
A rich world, full of details that I loved. It is long, but there is so much going on that it doesn't feel that way.
March 20, 2023
This book proves that there’s more to world-building than people and locations. The commonly-known history binds people and provides meaning; the creative language describes society and its values.
Kinda reminds me of an underground Tron.
A lesson that we need to be careful with technology and the destruction it can cause when used improperly.
Now - The Girl in Bearcloak Dungeon then In Shadows of Silver!
Kinda reminds me of an underground Tron.
A lesson that we need to be careful with technology and the destruction it can cause when used improperly.
Now - The Girl in Bearcloak Dungeon then In Shadows of Silver!
August 9, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this, full of constant action and engaging on every page, this was truly one of a kind. Looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series continues.
May 22, 2022
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
The book began mysteriously and seemed very intriguing with a guy who was living far off the grid with his father. Everything gave me the feeling of the apocalypse and I was having that impeding doom day kind of feeling. I got a little bit confused when Clayson was shown to us to be 14yo instead of an adult, however along the way you discover how different Clayson’s race is from humans and how they’re aging differently so the 14yo age is pretty mature for them.
I enjoyed a lot the conversations about the race and stuff and how Clayson was protecting the Dura people from not being called vacant and how he would point out things to other people who might have been a little bit racist. The world-building is rich, you get lots of details about lots of things from destroyed cities to dungeons to dream-worlds – all full of nice details and descriptions that did tickle my imagination a lot and I’ve enjoyed them.
I enjoyed some of the advanced technology they’ve got from the water that cleans a person to the way they were finding their information on the bluelink – even tho I couldn’t understand really well how bluelink actually worked, the whole thing was actually pretty cool and interesting.
Forged in the fallout seems to be a LitRPG – my first actually into this genre and it’s been a whole adventure personally. I was around 35% in the book and I was still pretty confused about what’s going on in the book because the beginning started slow and then you’re thrown into a destruction action that happened so quickly and there weren’t many explanations, I can say I’ve been as confused as Clayson was on what’s going on around him. I did enjoy some of the games/challenges they had to do in the book, they were interesting especially when they were doing them as a team together.
Even tho there were a big amount of events happening, one crazier than the other I felt the feelings of the main character lacking, I couldn’t feel the impact of those events had upon him, and I couldn’t actually connect with his fear or his confusion as I was expecting it to be. So many events that actually shaped his life happened and his feelings were lacking, I kept waiting for that big moment that I love in books – the moment that makes you gasp and think over what happened, sadly that didn’t happen.
Another thing that I didn’t quite enjoy was the fact some things were repeating themselves and I didn’t find them necessary at all. One of the things that kept popping up were the explanations about the measurement or the crafts, I felt having a good explanation at the beginning about everything included was sufficient what came afterward was a little bit too much.
Overall, if you enjoy the LitRPG genre this will totally be for you. You’ve got a pretty fast-paced, pretty fun game and challenges that people do together, found family trope, coming of age, and a very rich-world building. However, I do not think this genre is for me and I am not sure if I will continue reading the next in the series.
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The book began mysteriously and seemed very intriguing with a guy who was living far off the grid with his father. Everything gave me the feeling of the apocalypse and I was having that impeding doom day kind of feeling. I got a little bit confused when Clayson was shown to us to be 14yo instead of an adult, however along the way you discover how different Clayson’s race is from humans and how they’re aging differently so the 14yo age is pretty mature for them.
I enjoyed a lot the conversations about the race and stuff and how Clayson was protecting the Dura people from not being called vacant and how he would point out things to other people who might have been a little bit racist. The world-building is rich, you get lots of details about lots of things from destroyed cities to dungeons to dream-worlds – all full of nice details and descriptions that did tickle my imagination a lot and I’ve enjoyed them.
I enjoyed some of the advanced technology they’ve got from the water that cleans a person to the way they were finding their information on the bluelink – even tho I couldn’t understand really well how bluelink actually worked, the whole thing was actually pretty cool and interesting.
Forged in the fallout seems to be a LitRPG – my first actually into this genre and it’s been a whole adventure personally. I was around 35% in the book and I was still pretty confused about what’s going on in the book because the beginning started slow and then you’re thrown into a destruction action that happened so quickly and there weren’t many explanations, I can say I’ve been as confused as Clayson was on what’s going on around him. I did enjoy some of the games/challenges they had to do in the book, they were interesting especially when they were doing them as a team together.
Even tho there were a big amount of events happening, one crazier than the other I felt the feelings of the main character lacking, I couldn’t feel the impact of those events had upon him, and I couldn’t actually connect with his fear or his confusion as I was expecting it to be. So many events that actually shaped his life happened and his feelings were lacking, I kept waiting for that big moment that I love in books – the moment that makes you gasp and think over what happened, sadly that didn’t happen.
Another thing that I didn’t quite enjoy was the fact some things were repeating themselves and I didn’t find them necessary at all. One of the things that kept popping up were the explanations about the measurement or the crafts, I felt having a good explanation at the beginning about everything included was sufficient what came afterward was a little bit too much.
Overall, if you enjoy the LitRPG genre this will totally be for you. You’ve got a pretty fast-paced, pretty fun game and challenges that people do together, found family trope, coming of age, and a very rich-world building. However, I do not think this genre is for me and I am not sure if I will continue reading the next in the series.
Follow me on my social media for more than just reviews:
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June 22, 2021
Forged in the Fallout - A bit about me - skip to the next paragraph for the review. I teach 9th grade ELA and I love to read young adult books regularly. I am always looking for new books to read so I can suggest them to my students and especially my more reluctant readers. We have a book walk at the beginning of each semester where I introduce my favorite books to the class as they each need an independent novel to read. I cannot keep introducing the same books, so I read a lot of young adult books. I also was a book review blogger for many years. With that out of the way here is my review.
I was not sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the story drew me in.
The book moves quickly about ½ way through chapter 1 and I did not once get bored thinking it was too long or slow.
Clayson, the main character, is confused and a bit scared as his father has not told him about his real family or who he is. Instead, he is thrust into a world of danger he never imagined or dreamed of. Rugnus, a young friend of Clayson’s father, has to be one of my favorite characters as he is down to Earth and real about his life and his job to protect Clayson. He takes his responsibility very seriously and yet he can let himself and Clayson enjoy a bit of life along the way.
Family drama is strong as Clayson is meeting his mother and sister for the first time in this book.
His sister, Andalynn, is a feisty character who wants to be the boss, but still would like some guidance along the way. She is strong and yet a bit scared when things do not go as planned.
His mother plays a small part in this book and I hope to find out more about her in the next book. You will meet her in this book, but she is not a main character yet. Clayson’s father is someone I would like to know in real life. He was reluctant to tell Clayson who he was as he wanted him to become who he was meant to be not someone he had to be. Also, he wanted to protect his son as long as he could thinking he had more time than he did. He makes the best of life even with the struggles he has and puts his son first along with his commitments. He is heard whistling as he is about to embark on a dangerous mission allowing the reader a glimpse into who he is and how life is what you make of it in the end.
This is a young adult book as the characters are young 14-18 and the story revolves around them and how they plan on making things better in this world. Clayson tries to fit in with the people he meets, as he does not want anyone to know he is from the surface. Clayson is learning as he goes along and finding his strengths and his weaknesses. He is not a perfect character with all the bells and whistles, but instead, he is flawed and ‘normal’. He is on a hero’s journey with the help of those he meets and befriends. Along the way, you meet other characters that can either help or hinder Clayson on his quest. Life for him is a surprise around every corner and behind each smiling face.
Ben Green has created a whole new world for his readers to explore. One of fantasy and reality along with life choices and consequences some good some bad. A dystopian world where past wars have wreaked havoc and changed people forever. This book is imaginative with so many things to easily visualize with the vivid descriptions the author writes so well. A full-fledged movie was playing in my head as I read this book. Green’s descriptions make this world come to life even in the dark spaces. Shadow and light fight in this book for control. Who will ultimately prevail? I hope the light where Clayson and his friends’ dwell most of the time.
Take the time to read this book as you will not be disappointed. Especially if this is your genre of choice.
I was not sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much the story drew me in.
The book moves quickly about ½ way through chapter 1 and I did not once get bored thinking it was too long or slow.
Clayson, the main character, is confused and a bit scared as his father has not told him about his real family or who he is. Instead, he is thrust into a world of danger he never imagined or dreamed of. Rugnus, a young friend of Clayson’s father, has to be one of my favorite characters as he is down to Earth and real about his life and his job to protect Clayson. He takes his responsibility very seriously and yet he can let himself and Clayson enjoy a bit of life along the way.
Family drama is strong as Clayson is meeting his mother and sister for the first time in this book.
His sister, Andalynn, is a feisty character who wants to be the boss, but still would like some guidance along the way. She is strong and yet a bit scared when things do not go as planned.
His mother plays a small part in this book and I hope to find out more about her in the next book. You will meet her in this book, but she is not a main character yet. Clayson’s father is someone I would like to know in real life. He was reluctant to tell Clayson who he was as he wanted him to become who he was meant to be not someone he had to be. Also, he wanted to protect his son as long as he could thinking he had more time than he did. He makes the best of life even with the struggles he has and puts his son first along with his commitments. He is heard whistling as he is about to embark on a dangerous mission allowing the reader a glimpse into who he is and how life is what you make of it in the end.
This is a young adult book as the characters are young 14-18 and the story revolves around them and how they plan on making things better in this world. Clayson tries to fit in with the people he meets, as he does not want anyone to know he is from the surface. Clayson is learning as he goes along and finding his strengths and his weaknesses. He is not a perfect character with all the bells and whistles, but instead, he is flawed and ‘normal’. He is on a hero’s journey with the help of those he meets and befriends. Along the way, you meet other characters that can either help or hinder Clayson on his quest. Life for him is a surprise around every corner and behind each smiling face.
Ben Green has created a whole new world for his readers to explore. One of fantasy and reality along with life choices and consequences some good some bad. A dystopian world where past wars have wreaked havoc and changed people forever. This book is imaginative with so many things to easily visualize with the vivid descriptions the author writes so well. A full-fledged movie was playing in my head as I read this book. Green’s descriptions make this world come to life even in the dark spaces. Shadow and light fight in this book for control. Who will ultimately prevail? I hope the light where Clayson and his friends’ dwell most of the time.
Take the time to read this book as you will not be disappointed. Especially if this is your genre of choice.
June 9, 2022
What a pleasant surprise! I honestly didn't know what to expect of this book but diving in blindly and completely was a good idea. Thanks for the book, author!
Full review upcoming.
Full review upcoming.
January 24, 2022
A teenager with hidden Loamin magic flowing through his veins. A kingdom buried beneath the ruins of a post-apocalyptic world. Real-feeling, science-based magic that you can almost touch.
Forged in the Fallout is an immersive, imaginative, and innovative genre-bender of a book. If Mistborn and Minecraft had a cyberpunk LitRPG baby – this would be it. I highly recommend RIMDUUM to anyone who’s looking to get lost in a lush, limitless world that blends ancient magic with innovative tech.
Forged in the Fallout is an immersive, imaginative, and innovative genre-bender of a book. If Mistborn and Minecraft had a cyberpunk LitRPG baby – this would be it. I highly recommend RIMDUUM to anyone who’s looking to get lost in a lush, limitless world that blends ancient magic with innovative tech.
September 25, 2021
An entirely new take on fantasy! A beautiful mix of magic and tech all in a modern fantasy setting. I couldn't put it down. I eagerly await more.
August 8, 2021
Forged In The Fallout is at once highly readable while still asking all of us, but especially the "Young Adult" reader to think about; how we want to live, how we want to be governed, personal liberties and privacy versus safety, security and rule of law. Have we really given enough consideration to "the other person's" viewpoint?
Author, Ben Green has given us Rimduum, a new and broken world to add to our own personal Multiverses.
When Clayson closes his eyes, he seems to be stuck with either dreamless sleep or sleepless dreams, either way things are unraveling. Clayson finds himself reevaluating what's real. Is it the life he's always known, him and his father living in modern, remote Appalachia? or is it a war ravaged, post apocalyptic world, populated by an ancient race of people who each have their own innate way of manipulating the world around them?
There is only one way for Clayson to find out; jump into his father's old, immobile camper, slam down a very sketchy bottle of energy drink and hold on!
Author, Ben Green has given us Rimduum, a new and broken world to add to our own personal Multiverses.
When Clayson closes his eyes, he seems to be stuck with either dreamless sleep or sleepless dreams, either way things are unraveling. Clayson finds himself reevaluating what's real. Is it the life he's always known, him and his father living in modern, remote Appalachia? or is it a war ravaged, post apocalyptic world, populated by an ancient race of people who each have their own innate way of manipulating the world around them?
There is only one way for Clayson to find out; jump into his father's old, immobile camper, slam down a very sketchy bottle of energy drink and hold on!
August 10, 2021
I LOVE this book! If there was a way to give more than 5 stars, I would. From the very first page, you are sucked into this world and it does not want to let you go - in the best way possible. The world-building is superb and the characters are so realistic! I can't wait to read more about Rimduum.
July 30, 2021
I could not put it down, many late nights as I burned through the pages!
Beautifully crafted scenes with well-balanced character development. The mystery of who is who with relationships unfolding with intrigue is very satisfying and is paced well.
If I were to relate to other stories in comparison I'd say this world is a combination of Lord of the Rings and Minecraft. So many more elements that are unique though too. If you've ever enjoyed either of those you'll enjoy this book also.
I've spent time imagining myself with abilities beyond what is normal. Teleportation is one of them. In the world of Rimduum, I was able to feel the excitement of these abilities called craft.
I encourage you to follow the story of Clayson in this first-person narrative that blends genres at the author's crafting.
Beautifully crafted scenes with well-balanced character development. The mystery of who is who with relationships unfolding with intrigue is very satisfying and is paced well.
If I were to relate to other stories in comparison I'd say this world is a combination of Lord of the Rings and Minecraft. So many more elements that are unique though too. If you've ever enjoyed either of those you'll enjoy this book also.
I've spent time imagining myself with abilities beyond what is normal. Teleportation is one of them. In the world of Rimduum, I was able to feel the excitement of these abilities called craft.
I encourage you to follow the story of Clayson in this first-person narrative that blends genres at the author's crafting.
March 8, 2022
Action packed, incredible world building kept me turning the pages wanting to know more. The colourful description of people, places and craft was vivid. I fell in love with the main character, Clayton. I felt like I was growing and developing right along with him as he plods his way through this new life he’s been thrust into.
A great combination of science fiction and fantasy. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
A great combination of science fiction and fantasy. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
June 30, 2022
Clayson is a few days past his 14th birthday, more or less because he doesn't know the exact date - only the month - and he's having a typical morning for him as he enjoys life with his father on their property in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But that all changes when his father's nurse, Ara, shows up unannounced and makes a strange proclamation. As if that's not weird enough, suddenly his father starts saying words that he doesn't understand, something is attacking the house, and Ara - well, Ara looks like she's covered in lava, but that can't be right, can it?
In the span of just a few minutes, Clayson's entire life is upended and all the secrets his father has kept behind vague answers and half-truths come tumbling out. Will Clayson survive the upheaval?
This book was amazing. Unlike many books introducing a new world that take several chapters to really get into the action, this book jumps right into it in the first chapter and doesn't let up until the end. The reader, just like Clayson, is left to figure out things as they go along, and much like anyone suddenly dropped into a culture very different from their own, there are learning curves. Luckily, Clayson is able to pull a solid group of friends around him who will help him as he navigates this new world he has discovered and the new powers he apparently has. If only he could get a decent night's sleep. LOL.
Along with the characters, the worldbuilding was really well-done. I really liked the way that Green not only described the world as it currently is but brought in the history of the civilization, both as a helpful guide for Clayson, but also to provide a way to understand the current state of their world. It served as a great way to enrich the motivations and decisions made by the various characters.
After reading this book, I will absolutely be reading the next one, Shadows in Silver, to see what happens next. Forged in the Fallout ends by resolving all of the major plot lines, and there isn't really a cliffhanger to drag you to the second novel other than realizing that some bad guys are still out there and just because you won this battle, it doesn't mean the war is over. I look forward to seeing what Clayson and his friends plan to do in the sequel.
In the span of just a few minutes, Clayson's entire life is upended and all the secrets his father has kept behind vague answers and half-truths come tumbling out. Will Clayson survive the upheaval?
This book was amazing. Unlike many books introducing a new world that take several chapters to really get into the action, this book jumps right into it in the first chapter and doesn't let up until the end. The reader, just like Clayson, is left to figure out things as they go along, and much like anyone suddenly dropped into a culture very different from their own, there are learning curves. Luckily, Clayson is able to pull a solid group of friends around him who will help him as he navigates this new world he has discovered and the new powers he apparently has. If only he could get a decent night's sleep. LOL.
Along with the characters, the worldbuilding was really well-done. I really liked the way that Green not only described the world as it currently is but brought in the history of the civilization, both as a helpful guide for Clayson, but also to provide a way to understand the current state of their world. It served as a great way to enrich the motivations and decisions made by the various characters.
After reading this book, I will absolutely be reading the next one, Shadows in Silver, to see what happens next. Forged in the Fallout ends by resolving all of the major plot lines, and there isn't really a cliffhanger to drag you to the second novel other than realizing that some bad guys are still out there and just because you won this battle, it doesn't mean the war is over. I look forward to seeing what Clayson and his friends plan to do in the sequel.
December 24, 2022
Clayson is a few days past his 14th birthday, more or less because he doesn't know the exact date - only the month - and he's having a typical morning for him as he enjoys life with his father on their property in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But that all changes when his father's nurse, Ara, shows up unannounced and makes a strange proclamation. As if that's not weird enough, suddenly his father starts saying words that he doesn't understand, something is attacking the house, and Ara - well, Ara looks like she's covered in lava, but that can't be right, can it?
In the span of just a few minutes, Clayson's entire life is upended and all the secrets his father has kept behind vague answers and half-truths come tumbling out. Will Clayson survive the upheaval?
This book was amazing. Unlike many books introducing a new world that take several chapters to really get into the action, this book jumps right into it in the first chapter and doesn't let up until the end. The reader, just like Clayson, is left to figure out things as they go along, and much like anyone suddenly dropped into a culture very different from their own, there are learning curves. Luckily, Clayson is able to pull a solid group of friends around him who will help him as he navigates this new world he has discovered and the new powers he apparently has. If only he could get a decent night's sleep. LOL.
Along with the characters, the worldbuilding was really well-done. I really liked the way that Green not only described the world as it currently is but brought in the history of the civilization, both as a helpful guide for Clayson, but also to provide a way to understand the current state of their world. It served as a great way to enrich the motivations and decisions made by the various characters.
After reading this book, I will absolutely be reading the next one, Shadows in Silver, to see what happens next. Forged in the Fallout ends by resolving all of the major plot lines, and there isn't really a cliffhanger to drag you to the second novel other than realizing that some bad guys are still out there and just because you won this battle, it doesn't mean the war is over. I look forward to seeing what Clayson and his friends plan to do in the sequel.
In the span of just a few minutes, Clayson's entire life is upended and all the secrets his father has kept behind vague answers and half-truths come tumbling out. Will Clayson survive the upheaval?
This book was amazing. Unlike many books introducing a new world that take several chapters to really get into the action, this book jumps right into it in the first chapter and doesn't let up until the end. The reader, just like Clayson, is left to figure out things as they go along, and much like anyone suddenly dropped into a culture very different from their own, there are learning curves. Luckily, Clayson is able to pull a solid group of friends around him who will help him as he navigates this new world he has discovered and the new powers he apparently has. If only he could get a decent night's sleep. LOL.
Along with the characters, the worldbuilding was really well-done. I really liked the way that Green not only described the world as it currently is but brought in the history of the civilization, both as a helpful guide for Clayson, but also to provide a way to understand the current state of their world. It served as a great way to enrich the motivations and decisions made by the various characters.
After reading this book, I will absolutely be reading the next one, Shadows in Silver, to see what happens next. Forged in the Fallout ends by resolving all of the major plot lines, and there isn't really a cliffhanger to drag you to the second novel other than realizing that some bad guys are still out there and just because you won this battle, it doesn't mean the war is over. I look forward to seeing what Clayson and his friends plan to do in the sequel.
May 24, 2022
Do you like YA, male perspective, unique dystopian, Sci-fi fantasy genre-bending fun? This is for you!
The originality of this was so gripping. This was a fast-paced, character-driven, through the eyes and mouth of the male MC, kind of story that I breezed through once I started.
Clayson is a great character and you see this world up close and through his eyes. I rarely love the stories told with so much dialogue, but in this tale, it really works.
“Kind of a game slash tradition slash sport slash religion. Dungeons are a big part of our culture.” I loved this quote!
If you like a Sci-Fi fantasy and have been looking for a super cool read (male perspective being a bonus) THIS IS IT! The world is mind-blowing. Ben Green’s brain is a majestic place with the things he has come up with for this tale, and I am so in it for Book 2!
The originality of this was so gripping. This was a fast-paced, character-driven, through the eyes and mouth of the male MC, kind of story that I breezed through once I started.
Clayson is a great character and you see this world up close and through his eyes. I rarely love the stories told with so much dialogue, but in this tale, it really works.
“Kind of a game slash tradition slash sport slash religion. Dungeons are a big part of our culture.” I loved this quote!
If you like a Sci-Fi fantasy and have been looking for a super cool read (male perspective being a bonus) THIS IS IT! The world is mind-blowing. Ben Green’s brain is a majestic place with the things he has come up with for this tale, and I am so in it for Book 2!
June 2, 2022
trollbricks, this was a fun read!
Listed as genre bending, couldn’t be more true.
Modern world? Check.
Post-apocalyptic? Check.
Magic? Depends on who you ask… we taffies would call it that. The Loamin call it Craft. Check.
Dwarves? Of sorts… Check.
Secret prince? What’s not to love about Clayson? He’s brave, kind, down to earth (or under it!), and likeable. Check.
Ben’s world-building was phenomenal! The story was riveting! When I had to put it down at the end of the day, it took me a while to rejoin the real world.
To me, that’s the sign of a perfect read!
Listed as genre bending, couldn’t be more true.
Modern world? Check.
Post-apocalyptic? Check.
Magic? Depends on who you ask… we taffies would call it that. The Loamin call it Craft. Check.
Dwarves? Of sorts… Check.
Secret prince? What’s not to love about Clayson? He’s brave, kind, down to earth (or under it!), and likeable. Check.
Ben’s world-building was phenomenal! The story was riveting! When I had to put it down at the end of the day, it took me a while to rejoin the real world.
To me, that’s the sign of a perfect read!
November 6, 2021
Stayed up late to read just one more chapter.
I knew I’d like this book from the start. I had to read the last five chapters in one night (just had to know.)
I knew I’d like this book from the start. I had to read the last five chapters in one night (just had to know.)
September 23, 2023
Great world building.
July 11, 2022
I had a relaly hard time getting through this and am still not exactly sure what it was supposed to be.
December 31, 2022
Excellent book really enjoyed it
November 4, 2021
3.5 stars, actually.
So LitRPG really isn't my genre, I have discovered in recent years, despite the fact that I devoured the Weis/Hickman Dragonlance novels so immersed in D&D lore in my earlier years.
And the problem with reviewing books not in genres that you like, is that the very things that would be cool and interesting and pull you along in the story if you like that genre are the very things that make it hard to read if you're not a fan of that particular literary taste.
That's what I was encountering here. Green has devised this entire underground Loamin (dwarf) world complete with history of warring cities and magic, explorable dungeons formed by the deaths of powerful warriors, touching on issues of classism and racism in a magical context, and very, very detailed rules and procedures regarding system of magic grouped around either metals (ironcraft) or nature (conjuring).
Clayson Spangler was just living on a mountain with his reclusive father, and then one day magical beings come that force him under the mountain and into a world of Loamin magic.
The problem for me, is that all the characters, including ones that aren't technically supposed to know he's a clueless person, delight in showing/teaching/lecturing him about the Loamin magic. And it wasn't to my taste. I prefer stories where I am thrust into a magic world and I figure out the rules through the action/plot of the story.
There's a lot of dwelling on those rules, and explanations, and reminders (i.e. "moving around-- that's budgecraft, aluminum") that most LitRPG readers probably didn't need anymore after the first third of the book, especially with the lovely table of magic Green provides at the start of the book.
So therein lies the main point of my review: please understand that this is a review based on my personal preference for kind of genre, and that I believe folks who love LitRPG and gaming and readers of Brandon Sanderson (for example) would really like this story and have fun learning with Clayson all about the different magics, the ways in which those magics are measured, how those magics work out in dungeon exploration, etc. etc.
One thing I did really appreciate about Greens' story of Clayson is that our hero is fully immersed in the emotional life of his somewhat scattered family-- somewhat rare in a LitRPG hero. Kudos for making an emotionally available hero with great magic.
So LitRPG really isn't my genre, I have discovered in recent years, despite the fact that I devoured the Weis/Hickman Dragonlance novels so immersed in D&D lore in my earlier years.
And the problem with reviewing books not in genres that you like, is that the very things that would be cool and interesting and pull you along in the story if you like that genre are the very things that make it hard to read if you're not a fan of that particular literary taste.
That's what I was encountering here. Green has devised this entire underground Loamin (dwarf) world complete with history of warring cities and magic, explorable dungeons formed by the deaths of powerful warriors, touching on issues of classism and racism in a magical context, and very, very detailed rules and procedures regarding system of magic grouped around either metals (ironcraft) or nature (conjuring).
Clayson Spangler was just living on a mountain with his reclusive father, and then one day magical beings come that force him under the mountain and into a world of Loamin magic.
The problem for me, is that all the characters, including ones that aren't technically supposed to know he's a clueless person, delight in showing/teaching/lecturing him about the Loamin magic. And it wasn't to my taste. I prefer stories where I am thrust into a magic world and I figure out the rules through the action/plot of the story.
There's a lot of dwelling on those rules, and explanations, and reminders (i.e. "moving around-- that's budgecraft, aluminum") that most LitRPG readers probably didn't need anymore after the first third of the book, especially with the lovely table of magic Green provides at the start of the book.
So therein lies the main point of my review: please understand that this is a review based on my personal preference for kind of genre, and that I believe folks who love LitRPG and gaming and readers of Brandon Sanderson (for example) would really like this story and have fun learning with Clayson all about the different magics, the ways in which those magics are measured, how those magics work out in dungeon exploration, etc. etc.
One thing I did really appreciate about Greens' story of Clayson is that our hero is fully immersed in the emotional life of his somewhat scattered family-- somewhat rare in a LitRPG hero. Kudos for making an emotionally available hero with great magic.
June 21, 2022
Cities were leveled as far as the eye can see instantly. Lives were forever extinguished and those left behind were still haunted by the aftermath of a metal twisted into a weapon of mass destruction. Finally, only two cities survived among the ashes, but a divide so wide remained between the two it seemed hopeless to ever bind the rift created.
It’s the world Clayson finds himself thrust. Yet for him it goes deeper than what the eye can see. He pulls aside one layer before him only to find another buried secret, an entire world hidden from his knowledge. All of what he believed about himself and his family is toppled in a moment. He’s changed a little at a time as he stands between these two worlds, trying to reconcile inside his spirit what he knew and what really is in the fallout. The gap before him is unsurmountable.
But perhaps not because Clayson is resilient and forged from stronger bonds than he realizes. We recognize that more as the story continues. He may have just stepped into this new world and still be trying to get his bearings, but he’s willing to do what no one seems to have done, what they’re incapable of. He’s brave enough to look beyond the chasm that separates the two cities and see them as the hope of what can be, rather than a reminder of the scars of the past. More importantly for Clayson he’ll take chances and make the sacrifices if necessary because it’s about reclaiming what he thought was forever lost to him. His personal world. His family. Even in the midst of fallout, some bonds are worth fighting for, worth forging. It’s something Clayson understands now, and we enjoy journeying with him as he discovers it.
It’s the world Clayson finds himself thrust. Yet for him it goes deeper than what the eye can see. He pulls aside one layer before him only to find another buried secret, an entire world hidden from his knowledge. All of what he believed about himself and his family is toppled in a moment. He’s changed a little at a time as he stands between these two worlds, trying to reconcile inside his spirit what he knew and what really is in the fallout. The gap before him is unsurmountable.
But perhaps not because Clayson is resilient and forged from stronger bonds than he realizes. We recognize that more as the story continues. He may have just stepped into this new world and still be trying to get his bearings, but he’s willing to do what no one seems to have done, what they’re incapable of. He’s brave enough to look beyond the chasm that separates the two cities and see them as the hope of what can be, rather than a reminder of the scars of the past. More importantly for Clayson he’ll take chances and make the sacrifices if necessary because it’s about reclaiming what he thought was forever lost to him. His personal world. His family. Even in the midst of fallout, some bonds are worth fighting for, worth forging. It’s something Clayson understands now, and we enjoy journeying with him as he discovers it.
January 1, 2022
The worldbuilding and magic system in this book was really cool. I’m a really avid fantasy and sci fi fan so I really appreciated the imagination the author put into developing this world. The magic system was like something out of a game. The way that different metals allowed characters to do different things with craft (the name for magic in this world) was awesome. Some of the characters drew me straight away. I loved Rugnus, and Clayson was definitely a protagonist I could get behind. The various adventures Clayson and his friends went on were really fun and I found the action sections of the book really compelling. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a solid, well-developed magic system, a thoroughly built world and a good adventure.
There are two reasons I gave this book four stars instead of five stars. The first is that I wasn’t entirely convinced by the ending. It felt a little too much like trying to hastily wrap everything up. The second reason is that, although I liked the twist in the end and felt it made a lot of sense, I did feel that more time could have been taken to develop the protagonists.
That said, I would highly recommend this book as a brilliant adventure story with a brilliantly rich world and an inventive magic system!
There are two reasons I gave this book four stars instead of five stars. The first is that I wasn’t entirely convinced by the ending. It felt a little too much like trying to hastily wrap everything up. The second reason is that, although I liked the twist in the end and felt it made a lot of sense, I did feel that more time could have been taken to develop the protagonists.
That said, I would highly recommend this book as a brilliant adventure story with a brilliantly rich world and an inventive magic system!
July 10, 2023
Keep your arms and legs inside the cart because this book is a wild ride.
We ride around with Clayson Spangler, a 14 year old who is used to living off the land. Now, I thought this was going to be a post-apocalypse earth where everyone had been living underground for centuries, but it's actually that there's a separate society living alongside ours, and they don't much interact.
I found the worldbuilding fascinating and there's a lot in here to like, such as:
- Metal affinity being the cornerstone of the magic or "craft" system.
- People's levels in different craft determining what they can do with each, but they still need their smarts to overcome challenges.
- Amazing underground cities with two separate cultures, one explored more than the other at this stage, and based on always moving on and the city's worth in people and their ideas rather than structures.
Now, the worldbuilding is fantastic, but I found it hard to connect to the MC, and while it was action packed it very much felt like a rollercoaster ride I was strapped safely into than a truly gripping narrative.
There's a LOT going on and I enjoyed the ride through this author's amazing world!
We ride around with Clayson Spangler, a 14 year old who is used to living off the land. Now, I thought this was going to be a post-apocalypse earth where everyone had been living underground for centuries, but it's actually that there's a separate society living alongside ours, and they don't much interact.
I found the worldbuilding fascinating and there's a lot in here to like, such as:
- Metal affinity being the cornerstone of the magic or "craft" system.
- People's levels in different craft determining what they can do with each, but they still need their smarts to overcome challenges.
- Amazing underground cities with two separate cultures, one explored more than the other at this stage, and based on always moving on and the city's worth in people and their ideas rather than structures.
Now, the worldbuilding is fantastic, but I found it hard to connect to the MC, and while it was action packed it very much felt like a rollercoaster ride I was strapped safely into than a truly gripping narrative.
There's a LOT going on and I enjoyed the ride through this author's amazing world!
February 19, 2022
A very enjoyable read for me! Just a couple pages in and I was hooked. That's usually what I need to be interested in reading a book, a good hook to pull me in. That pull into the story stayed as I read the whole book. I was easily putting other daily responsibilities aside to read just one more page, but could never stop at just one page.
It was exciting to use my imagination to picture the world of Rimduum. The colorful description of places, people, and craft was so fun. I'm a very visual person and this book made me wish I could make a movie about it or that the author had illustrations.
I am really anxious for the next book to be ready. There's not a super big cliffhanger at the end of the book, but there is so much more I want to know about everything and what's next for the characters. I'm a bit of a romantic so the tiny glimpse of a growing relationship between two major characters at the very end left me eager to find out how that will work out. A very fun, creative, and intreging story that I'm excited to learn more about in the next book.
It was exciting to use my imagination to picture the world of Rimduum. The colorful description of places, people, and craft was so fun. I'm a very visual person and this book made me wish I could make a movie about it or that the author had illustrations.
I am really anxious for the next book to be ready. There's not a super big cliffhanger at the end of the book, but there is so much more I want to know about everything and what's next for the characters. I'm a bit of a romantic so the tiny glimpse of a growing relationship between two major characters at the very end left me eager to find out how that will work out. A very fun, creative, and intreging story that I'm excited to learn more about in the next book.
September 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot. I loved the world that was created and it was so interesting and detailed. This book is full of a LOT of world-building/exposition, so there is a lot to remember. I think it will be worth it, though, as it will set up a series of books. It's a really good mix of sci-fi and fantasy so it will appeal to readers in both of those areas. Looking very much forward to the next books in the series.
March 26, 2023
Yes! I'm so glad this is just the first book to this series! It was such a roundabout kinda story! It captured me and captivated me dragging me in within the first few pages and it just kept getting better with each page flip!! The world building, the characters description,and oh so much more that I can't put into words without almost spoiling it for those who have yet to enter this breath taking adventure!!
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