Rating: 4.5⭐️
Smite the Soil, the first book in The Green Sanctuary fantasy series by Beatrix Penrose, is a heartwarming, well written novella. It’s a story that beautifully lays out the characters, unique universe and is a perfect introduction to any reader unfamiliar with LitRPG storytelling.
The tale of Sir Alaric Thorne, of the many celestial titles is wonderfully detailed and heartfelt. Al, as he decides to be known, doesn’t want to Ascend and become a minor deity after defeating all the quests. He’s tired. Wants to put down his sword.
So he decides to find a different path. The Green Hearth. And starts a new journey.
As a farmer and level 1 Celestial Husbandman. That comes with a rundown farm, land that doesn’t grow anything and a decidedly ornery goat named Goliath.
There’s also a community full of good people nearby that’s in dire straits.
Step by step, Al and the village of Oakhaven come together as a community. It’s leveling up by means of heartfelt support and encouragement by goat, small children and a variety of other otherworldly friends.
It is a quick read and sets the story for the next book and events to follow.
A terrific read and recommendation!
Love the cover and wish I knew more about the artist.
The Green Sanctuary (8 book series)
Smite the Soil #1
The Amber Hops #2
The Wandering Grove #3
The Winter of the Void #4
Smite the Soil: The Seed of Generations #5
Smite the Soil: The Roots of Rebellion #6
Smite the Soil: The Ashen Harvest #7
Smite the Soil: The Sky-High Vineyard #8
Buy link
Book 1 of 8: The Green Sanctuary
Blurb
He was the Shield of the Empire. Now, he’s just trying to grow a decent tomato.
Sir Alaric Thorne is tired. After twenty years of smiting demons and saving the world, his back hurts, his armor is heavy, and he’s forgotten the smell of fresh air that isn’t tainted by sulfur. So, when the System offers him a “Hidden Path” to retirement, he takes it.
He trades his Holy Avenger sword for a rusty hoe.
But Oakhaven Farm isn’t the paradise he imagined. The soil is cursed, the local village is starving, and his only companion is a Level 3 Chaos Goat named Goliath who has a taste for legal documents.
To save his new home, Alaric must level up his [Husbandman] class, navigate a “System” that rewards [Caprine Diplomacy] over [Combat Prowess], and protect a World-Tree sapling from an Empire that wants its taxes in blood.
In Oakhaven, the weeds are the real monsters, and the greatest quest of all is finding the perfect fertilizer.
What to expect:
- No Harem/No Stress: A wholesome, “warm blanket” of a story.
- Crunchy Stats: Watch the numbers go up in Soil Quality, Crop Resilience, and Animal Kinship.
- Zero-to-Hero (Again): A powerful protagonist learning that growing a life is harder than taking one.
- Stardew Valley Vibes: Farming, crafting, and building a community from the ground up.
January 30, 2026
Language
English
Print length
102 pages
Book 1 of 8
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 