Runeforged: Path of the Paladin

A LitRPG Adventure

By: M.S. Davidson

Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

A zero-to-hero LitRPG Adventure about an isekai'd server using restaurant-honed reflexes to survive a new world.

From the restaurant floor to a monster-smiting warrior.

Ben Crawford was a simple restaurant manager, more worried about dodging Karens than cosmic horrors. That changed the moment he woke up naked in a void, stared into the eyes of death, and was spat out into the fantasy world of Ark.

On Ark, power is everything, and Runebinding magic is the key to survival. Ben shouldn't be able to use it, but he can—and he's learning faster than anyone should.

To some, he is a dangerous anomaly that must be purged. To others, he is a rare type of warrior who can smite monsters that should be invincible.

With a snarky, beer-swilling spirit guide named Ted riding shotgun in his soul, and a fire-breathing, seven-tailed dog named Red at his side, Ben must navigate a world where the gods are dead and politics are more lethal than the monsters.
To survive what’s coming, Ben must forge a new path.

And if he has to punch a few gods and win a planet-wide tournament just to find a decent cup of coffee, then so be it.

The smiting starts now in this LitRPG Adventure featuring a zero-to-hero protagonist who uses restaurant-honed reflexes to survive magical warfare in a new world and become an apex predator.

Fans of He Who Fights with Monsters, Guardian of Aster Fall, and The Last Paladin will love this high-octane blend of action, snark, and explosive progression.

©2026 AETHON (P)2026 Aethon Audio

Pretty good

First I admit that I read it a smithing not monster smiting. So for the first half I was waiting for him to become a Smith.
With the title, cover art of him hitting an anvil and all that, yeah my bad.

However once past that it was pretty good. only thing I dislikes was the constant memory flashbacks as ways to explain magic stuff. I ended up skipping most those after the 6th time.

Will buy the next though.

Over explanation

Great detailed but there is such a thing as over explaining, great story but over 6 hours of explaining the scenery

Fun story

Isekai non litrpg. Kinda about the development of a new paladin. Well written, good pace, interesting MC. Will check out next book in story.

Good start

There is a lot going on with the start of the book. This book falls in an overpowered MC, isekai category. The world building is well done and there is a lot of world that is explored. The magic system is interesting with some new elements. The plot is compelling and entertaining. You can rarely go wrong with a tournament! I’m definitely interested in seeing where things go. The narration was well done too.

It’s Alright

Though too long and too much detail (slow) that at time distracting, it was great performance and good story. I hope the next edition will have a better tempo.