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Divine Apostasy #1
Shade's First Rule
A new LitRPG world has arrived!
It's Ruwen’s Ascension Day, and he finally dies for the first time. His newly revived body can learn Spells and Abilities for the Class given him by the Goddess Uru, and dying is no longer permanent.
Ruwen’s high intelligence makes becoming a Mage inevitable. With his new powers, he will locate his parents and clear their family name. But nothing goes as Ruwen imagined, and when a rival God tries to kill Ruwen shortly after his disastrous Ascension, his focus turns from his future to just surviving.
His choices place him in the middle of an ancient war, and he must overcome the limitations of his unexpected Class to reach level five. Only then will he have the tools needed to survive. But dying now comes with a terrible penalty, and failing Uru might not only cost him his life and loved ones but his entire world.
It turns out dying on your Ascension Day is the easy part.
*****
Hey, LitRPG readers! I've created an FAQ for Shade's First Rule to answer some of the common questions and to help you decide if this book is for you. It can be found at: afkauthor.com/faq
It's Ruwen’s Ascension Day, and he finally dies for the first time. His newly revived body can learn Spells and Abilities for the Class given him by the Goddess Uru, and dying is no longer permanent.
Ruwen’s high intelligence makes becoming a Mage inevitable. With his new powers, he will locate his parents and clear their family name. But nothing goes as Ruwen imagined, and when a rival God tries to kill Ruwen shortly after his disastrous Ascension, his focus turns from his future to just surviving.
His choices place him in the middle of an ancient war, and he must overcome the limitations of his unexpected Class to reach level five. Only then will he have the tools needed to survive. But dying now comes with a terrible penalty, and failing Uru might not only cost him his life and loved ones but his entire world.
It turns out dying on your Ascension Day is the easy part.
*****
Hey, LitRPG readers! I've created an FAQ for Shade's First Rule to answer some of the common questions and to help you decide if this book is for you. It can be found at: afkauthor.com/faq
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2019
1878 people are currently reading
1977 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Kay
16 books326 followersAFK is the pen name of Ripht, a monk still wandering the Crypt of Dalnir looking for the Lumpy Goo that refuses to drop his Fighting Baton. Some of AFK's best memories happened online, and the Divine Apostasy, a LitRPG series, is his attempt to relive those days in some small part. He hopes you find a piece of yourself in this series and join him on the journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 12, 2021
Author clearly paid for positive reviews
The MC is painfully stupid, and even though the author keeps insisting he's 16, he acts 12. He survives by plot armor, rather than any actual reason and whines the whole time. Most every question he asks is answered "shut up, there's no time to discuss"; maybe the MC doesn't have time for an explanation, but if you want readers to even remotely care about your story, then *we* need the explanation. Otherwise it just appears more stupidity and lazy writing.
Would not recommend this idiocy to anyone for any reason .
The MC is painfully stupid, and even though the author keeps insisting he's 16, he acts 12. He survives by plot armor, rather than any actual reason and whines the whole time. Most every question he asks is answered "shut up, there's no time to discuss"; maybe the MC doesn't have time for an explanation, but if you want readers to even remotely care about your story, then *we* need the explanation. Otherwise it just appears more stupidity and lazy writing.
Would not recommend this idiocy to anyone for any reason .
October 11, 2020
DNF (Did Not Finish)
I made it to the 25% mark before I had to give up.
I can’t really think of a witty segue to start this review, so I’ll just dive right into it.
This book, from what I could tolerate, was fueled entirely by stupidity. The main character is so blindingly stupid that I had to give up or risk his stupidity rubbing off on me. I honestly have to wonder how he continues breathing unaided, because he is obviously braindead.
Now, that’s not to say that his stupidity is entirely his fault. There’s another trope I absolutely cannot stand that plays a big part in things: “there’s no time to explain”. Every single time the MC asks a question of people who know more, or better than him (which is basically everyone), he’s told - sometimes in as many words - to shut up and not ask questions. That’s a cardinal sin, because it leaves not only the MC in ignorance, but more importantly, the reader as well.
If I had bought this book, I would want a refund. But alas, I got it on kindle unlimited, so the only thing I wasted is my time. And that, I can’t get back.
I made it to the 25% mark before I had to give up.
I can’t really think of a witty segue to start this review, so I’ll just dive right into it.
This book, from what I could tolerate, was fueled entirely by stupidity. The main character is so blindingly stupid that I had to give up or risk his stupidity rubbing off on me. I honestly have to wonder how he continues breathing unaided, because he is obviously braindead.
Now, that’s not to say that his stupidity is entirely his fault. There’s another trope I absolutely cannot stand that plays a big part in things: “there’s no time to explain”. Every single time the MC asks a question of people who know more, or better than him (which is basically everyone), he’s told - sometimes in as many words - to shut up and not ask questions. That’s a cardinal sin, because it leaves not only the MC in ignorance, but more importantly, the reader as well.
If I had bought this book, I would want a refund. But alas, I got it on kindle unlimited, so the only thing I wasted is my time. And that, I can’t get back.
October 13, 2020
Was thinking about getting the audiobook but looking at reviews I realized they're almost all fake accounts giving 5 star reviews. The reviews all have the same format with a bold text as the first line. I've never seen that before but take a look for yourself. Almost all of this authors reviews are bogus on each book.
March 23, 2024
This book was floating between 2 and 3 stars before the ending. The ending was so terrible I decided on 1 star. Basically the book ends in the middle of an emergency, which to me is just an author admitting that he/she is not good enough at their job to keep readers coming back without a gimmick like this.
The story: MC's lives in a world where, when you die, you are resurrected in a temple. Also people are classified as one of the three types, with workers being looked down upon by the (2) magic users and (3) priests.
MC's parents disappeared a year ago in a suspicious manner that has made MC an outcast. Bizarrely enough, the local head priest has also decided he hates the MC because of what his parents supposedly did. Somehow what should be a highly educated individual (the head priest) can't recognize 1) what actually happened is unknown and 2) regardless of what happened the MC had no involvement in it and is himself a victim since his parents disappearance left the MC in bad straits. So this is the first example of the author attributing childish motivations to characters rather than spending time developing an actually thought-out story.
ANYHOW, the head priest arranges for MC to become a worker even though MC was slated as a magic user for several years. In truly trite story telling fashion the MC quickly learns that he was a jerk for looking down on workers in the past and that there are some advantages to being a worker. The MC also discovers that he has been chosen by a goddess as a champion which means MC gets two classes. MC will always be a worker but MC can chose a second class and goes with magic user. MC, however, is discovered trying out his magic abilities by the followers of a competing god and killed. MC's second class is wiped out upon death and MC is warned by his goddess not choose a second class so quickly this time.
Upon respawning MC is again attacked but additional followers of the goddess save him and take him to a dungeon to train. This dungeon is so powerful even gods can train there so the MC is safe from everyone except the dungeon while there. Time moves more quickly in the dungeon as well so the MC is able to train up some fighting/survival skills over many days while only two days pass back home. (MC has to be back home in two days for a "new initiate" outing.) While in the dungeon it also comes out that MC can cultivate. Cultivation is unknown in the MC’s world since it requires giving up respawning to learn. The MC, as a goddess’ champion, is exempt from this rule.
SKIP NEXT PARAGRAPH TO AVOID SPOILERS
MC returns home in time for his outing along with his friend/cultivation trainer but the MC and co. are quickly attacked. The attack ends with MC’s friend bleeding to death in his arms. For some reason the attackers assumed they had killed the MC and ran off.
Bottom line: Not worth the time. If I could magically go back and undo spending time on this book I would.
The story: MC's lives in a world where, when you die, you are resurrected in a temple. Also people are classified as one of the three types, with workers being looked down upon by the (2) magic users and (3) priests.
MC's parents disappeared a year ago in a suspicious manner that has made MC an outcast. Bizarrely enough, the local head priest has also decided he hates the MC because of what his parents supposedly did. Somehow what should be a highly educated individual (the head priest) can't recognize 1) what actually happened is unknown and 2) regardless of what happened the MC had no involvement in it and is himself a victim since his parents disappearance left the MC in bad straits. So this is the first example of the author attributing childish motivations to characters rather than spending time developing an actually thought-out story.
ANYHOW, the head priest arranges for MC to become a worker even though MC was slated as a magic user for several years. In truly trite story telling fashion the MC quickly learns that he was a jerk for looking down on workers in the past and that there are some advantages to being a worker. The MC also discovers that he has been chosen by a goddess as a champion which means MC gets two classes. MC will always be a worker but MC can chose a second class and goes with magic user. MC, however, is discovered trying out his magic abilities by the followers of a competing god and killed. MC's second class is wiped out upon death and MC is warned by his goddess not choose a second class so quickly this time.
Upon respawning MC is again attacked but additional followers of the goddess save him and take him to a dungeon to train. This dungeon is so powerful even gods can train there so the MC is safe from everyone except the dungeon while there. Time moves more quickly in the dungeon as well so the MC is able to train up some fighting/survival skills over many days while only two days pass back home. (MC has to be back home in two days for a "new initiate" outing.) While in the dungeon it also comes out that MC can cultivate. Cultivation is unknown in the MC’s world since it requires giving up respawning to learn. The MC, as a goddess’ champion, is exempt from this rule.
SKIP NEXT PARAGRAPH TO AVOID SPOILERS
MC returns home in time for his outing along with his friend/cultivation trainer but the MC and co. are quickly attacked. The attack ends with MC’s friend bleeding to death in his arms. For some reason the attackers assumed they had killed the MC and ran off.
Bottom line: Not worth the time. If I could magically go back and undo spending time on this book I would.
May 15, 2020
The book was so boring it made me fall asleep. In the middle of the afternoon. The MC is talked up like he is supposed to be smart, but like many other books, it falls into a hole. The entire plot is nonsensical.
September 21, 2023
Starts out as an okay LitRPG novel, but devolves into an awkward cultivation/wuxia story. If that, and godlike MCs surrounded by useless NPCs is your thing, you'll probably like this. I dropped the third book at about 50%. In hindsight, the series was rather disappointing.
August 12, 2019
Haphazard, but good worldbuilding
The main character doesn't fit his description all that well and has everything handed to him on a silver platter and still nearly messes it up. He is supposed to be smart if only normally wise, but... Really??. His back story is another issue. Parents disappear and are blamed for theft, but blatantly bribe accepting priest's son also disappears with them for 6 months and is assumed innocent. Priest goes on trip with son as soon as he returns to "collect cargo". Also must be innocent... MC is looking to prove parents innocent, but also has no issue with priest and son and doesn't even question what happened?
The main character doesn't fit his description all that well and has everything handed to him on a silver platter and still nearly messes it up. He is supposed to be smart if only normally wise, but... Really??. His back story is another issue. Parents disappear and are blamed for theft, but blatantly bribe accepting priest's son also disappears with them for 6 months and is assumed innocent. Priest goes on trip with son as soon as he returns to "collect cargo". Also must be innocent... MC is looking to prove parents innocent, but also has no issue with priest and son and doesn't even question what happened?
August 8, 2019
Good Story - interesting world
What I liked about this story is the main character having a realization of his own biases. That was a huge interesting arc that was interesting.
It was completely without political agenda, for those worried about stories with those themes, just an interesting character arc.
I also greatly appreciated the larger world hinted at in just the right amount. I know books 2 and 3 should be interesting from the tone book one set.
I plan to read them.
What I liked about this story is the main character having a realization of his own biases. That was a huge interesting arc that was interesting.
It was completely without political agenda, for those worried about stories with those themes, just an interesting character arc.
I also greatly appreciated the larger world hinted at in just the right amount. I know books 2 and 3 should be interesting from the tone book one set.
I plan to read them.
July 31, 2020
Inconsistent story
The story felt unbelievable the MC wants to be Rambo to rescue or find out what happened to his parents yet is so incompetent does nothing to prepare for it spends time in library
The story felt unbelievable the MC wants to be Rambo to rescue or find out what happened to his parents yet is so incompetent does nothing to prepare for it spends time in library
May 9, 2020
Rating 3.5 stars
It is Ruwen's ascension day. The day he has waited a long time for. The day he gets to become a mage. All he has to do is die. That is a pretty good setup. Ruwen is 16 years old. He has a basic HUD with limited information. Once he "ascends" his information is uploaded and he will have access to the complete system. That is when he will be able to do magic. He has waited a long time for this. For over a year his parents have been missing and everyone thinks that they are traitors. Ruwen has worked very hard to make sure his stats are lined up so he will be a great mage. Then he will have the power to find out what happened to his parents, he will be able to know the truth. This will be the greatest day of his life, until everything went wrong.
Overall not bad. The best part was the relationship between Ruwen and Sift. Hopefully the next book will explain things a little more.
It is Ruwen's ascension day. The day he has waited a long time for. The day he gets to become a mage. All he has to do is die. That is a pretty good setup. Ruwen is 16 years old. He has a basic HUD with limited information. Once he "ascends" his information is uploaded and he will have access to the complete system. That is when he will be able to do magic. He has waited a long time for this. For over a year his parents have been missing and everyone thinks that they are traitors. Ruwen has worked very hard to make sure his stats are lined up so he will be a great mage. Then he will have the power to find out what happened to his parents, he will be able to know the truth. This will be the greatest day of his life, until everything went wrong.
Overall not bad. The best part was the relationship between Ruwen and Sift. Hopefully the next book will explain things a little more.
August 13, 2019
Book one
Mistakes: I found one. Scar should have been scarf.
Plot: The chosen one. He wants to solve the mystery around his parents disappearance, the gods have other plans.
Characters: At first I didn't like the MC, because for all his high intellect, he looked down apon those that aren't mages.
As the story unfolds he gains the wisdom to start seeing that no one class is better than any other and becomes more likable.
7/10
Mistakes: I found one. Scar should have been scarf.
Plot: The chosen one. He wants to solve the mystery around his parents disappearance, the gods have other plans.
Characters: At first I didn't like the MC, because for all his high intellect, he looked down apon those that aren't mages.
As the story unfolds he gains the wisdom to start seeing that no one class is better than any other and becomes more likable.
7/10
August 5, 2019
Solid start to a series
I enjoyed some of the names in this book quite a bit. Story had a very nice balance between crunchy progression, action, and humor. Not to mention the very smooth dialogue and interesting cast. Book 2 when?
I enjoyed some of the names in this book quite a bit. Story had a very nice balance between crunchy progression, action, and humor. Not to mention the very smooth dialogue and interesting cast. Book 2 when?
November 4, 2019
Wow dang !
Stop! Don't read my review until you read this book. Seriously this is my favourite book this year (just in front of Uncrowned by WW) .Good story fights, dialog and awesome chars! I think I go get an Oreo and reread this book!
Stop! Don't read my review until you read this book. Seriously this is my favourite book this year (just in front of Uncrowned by WW) .Good story fights, dialog and awesome chars! I think I go get an Oreo and reread this book!
August 4, 2019
Well written, good litrpg
Really enjoyed this. Clearly well written, good and interesting litrpg system with a hint of the cultivation aspects to come. Plenty of option for growth and wide world breadth, interesting characters rather than just an MC. Look forward to the 2nd book!
Really enjoyed this. Clearly well written, good and interesting litrpg system with a hint of the cultivation aspects to come. Plenty of option for growth and wide world breadth, interesting characters rather than just an MC. Look forward to the 2nd book!
December 19, 2019
This is definitely worth a read if you like the LitRPG category I just finished it and can’t wait for the next the only bad part is it hasn’t been released yet but I will be watching and waiting. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more from this author
April 29, 2020
Amazing Novel, Must Read
I didn't want to stop reading. The litRPG system feels beautifully woven into the world and its inhabitants feel like they've truly been living with it all of their lives. The story itself is amazing and well written with a great cast of characters to support it. Do yourself a favor and pick up this novel.
I didn't want to stop reading. The litRPG system feels beautifully woven into the world and its inhabitants feel like they've truly been living with it all of their lives. The story itself is amazing and well written with a great cast of characters to support it. Do yourself a favor and pick up this novel.
September 4, 2019
Loved it!!!
This book is 100% worth the read! I had doubts when I first started reading but before they could even truly form, the book had me sucked me in. I almost missed work dew to loosing track of time sucked in to the amazing world that is with in this book! If your reading this deciding weather to bye the book, look no further bye it! Read it! Love it!
This book is 100% worth the read! I had doubts when I first started reading but before they could even truly form, the book had me sucked me in. I almost missed work dew to loosing track of time sucked in to the amazing world that is with in this book! If your reading this deciding weather to bye the book, look no further bye it! Read it! Love it!
August 7, 2019
Great start to a new series
I really enjoyed this book, start to finish. A very detailed world filled with intrigue, lore and unique characters.
This will likely make it into my top 10 litrpg series, if the author keeps up this form.
Well worth a read.
I really enjoyed this book, start to finish. A very detailed world filled with intrigue, lore and unique characters.
This will likely make it into my top 10 litrpg series, if the author keeps up this form.
Well worth a read.
November 29, 2019
Shades first.
This was a nicely put together story with a different style of magic and stats. It had a good plot and was funny and enjoyable. It was a little wordy on description s but overall a Great read. Can't wait for the next.
This was a nicely put together story with a different style of magic and stats. It had a good plot and was funny and enjoyable. It was a little wordy on description s but overall a Great read. Can't wait for the next.
August 3, 2019
Great read!
I loved this book! It was a very fun read that with a different take on litrpg, I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!
I loved this book! It was a very fun read that with a different take on litrpg, I cannot wait to read the next one in the series!
March 13, 2021
Awesome writing.
Fresh ideas and captivating story. Creating power and limiting in ways that are not immediately apparent is just one way that made me read this book in 2 days.
Fresh ideas and captivating story. Creating power and limiting in ways that are not immediately apparent is just one way that made me read this book in 2 days.
August 23, 2019
Awesome first in series!
Fantastic start to a series. An interesting mix of genres and world building. Love Blapy and all the rest, the hints of the larger conflict are great.
Fantastic start to a series. An interesting mix of genres and world building. Love Blapy and all the rest, the hints of the larger conflict are great.
September 12, 2019
Really liking this
I have to say this is a great start to what I hope is lengthy series if it continues to be this well done.
I have to say this is a great start to what I hope is lengthy series if it continues to be this well done.
September 16, 2019
Nice!
A good trip. Unique concept. I’m excited to read the next installment! I rented this book on Kindle Unlimited and then bought it - because it’s good enough to pay for.
A good trip. Unique concept. I’m excited to read the next installment! I rented this book on Kindle Unlimited and then bought it - because it’s good enough to pay for.
October 7, 2019
Great read
Really well written, plot is engaging and funny. A very solid book, I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Really well written, plot is engaging and funny. A very solid book, I'm looking forward to more from this author.
October 21, 2019
Good start
MC starts out hopeless and has good growth throughout. Good backstory with plenty room for twists and good character development
MC starts out hopeless and has good growth throughout. Good backstory with plenty room for twists and good character development
October 25, 2019
Excellent Start Concept AND Execution
Great new author. I’m glad he has shared his talents with us. Takes a second to start and then keeps you glued to the page. Ready for book 2
Great new author. I’m glad he has shared his talents with us. Takes a second to start and then keeps you glued to the page. Ready for book 2
October 31, 2019
Loved the book
Fun and entertaining and kept me reading. Can’t wait for book two to come out. I love this author so much.
Fun and entertaining and kept me reading. Can’t wait for book two to come out. I love this author so much.
November 2, 2019
Good book!!
At first I did not like the mc but the writer made him more likable the more I read the book.Would recommend this book
At first I did not like the mc but the writer made him more likable the more I read the book.Would recommend this book
January 10, 2024
God damn, if you went into this book looking at the top reviews, you'd never go past page 5. Thankfully, like almost every review on Goodreads, I don't give a shit.
Is it good then? Is it bad?
Let me tell you what I feel. Again, my personal opinion. Nothing against the people who got paid to review or against those who are aghast they didn't get paid to review.
This is no Abercombie or Sanderson or Lawrence. Which made it a lot easier for me to just read and go with the flow. Is the MC miserable all the time? Yes. Is the writing terrible? No, but could be better. Is the book engaging? Definitely for me. It's a litrpg novel. Not everyone will get it. And those who don't will find it stupid.
Not every progression fantasy has to be like Cradle which while being one of the best out there, made the MC terribly OP. Which again I loved btw.
Coming back to this, a solid start for me. If you can get over the issues of whether the prose is flowery or whether the MC is being a cunt, you'll realise there is actually a good story with world building in it.
I have high hopes for Book 2. And yes, I'll look at reddit too for fairer reviews
Is it good then? Is it bad?
Let me tell you what I feel. Again, my personal opinion. Nothing against the people who got paid to review or against those who are aghast they didn't get paid to review.
This is no Abercombie or Sanderson or Lawrence. Which made it a lot easier for me to just read and go with the flow. Is the MC miserable all the time? Yes. Is the writing terrible? No, but could be better. Is the book engaging? Definitely for me. It's a litrpg novel. Not everyone will get it. And those who don't will find it stupid.
Not every progression fantasy has to be like Cradle which while being one of the best out there, made the MC terribly OP. Which again I loved btw.
Coming back to this, a solid start for me. If you can get over the issues of whether the prose is flowery or whether the MC is being a cunt, you'll realise there is actually a good story with world building in it.
I have high hopes for Book 2. And yes, I'll look at reddit too for fairer reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews