What do you think?
Rate this book
Divine Apostasy #7
Shadow's Seventh Step
Ruwen wants nothing more than to relax in the Third Secret and recover from the terrible damage to his core. Escaping the ambush in the Infernal Realm had come at a steep cost—one that means no Spirit use until he heals.
Unfortunately, rest is one more thing that needs to wait, because the Bamboo Viper Master’s trial started days ago, and not participating results in the purging of his Step knowledge. Not something he wants to risk.
Joining the trial holds extra danger for Ruwen because fighting the Infernal God forced him to use forbidden Shadow Clan knowledge, breaking an oath, and the Founders will certainly punish him. But he’s spent the last eighteen months intensely training for the worst, so the peril doesn’t frighten him.
What does make Ruwen pause is the chaos back home, because attending the Master’s trial will delay his return. But the Steps hold no more secrets from him, and finishing the testing quickly will be trivial. His homecoming will barely notice the delay.
Entering the Master’s trial, Ruwen learns there are seven secrets, not six, and his assumptions quickly fall apart. The Founders deliver additional troubles, as the consequences of his broken oath spread further than he thought possible.
Ruwen's seemingly straightforward trial may prove a trap, and instead of leaving a Master of the Bamboo Viper Step Clan, he may fail to unravel the mystery of the seventh step and spend eternity in the shadow’s darkness. Even if he survives it, the terrible judgment of the Founders awaits, and amid all this uncertainty an ancient relic delivers a misfortunate prophecy that if left unheeded, declares death will surely find him.
Unfortunately, rest is one more thing that needs to wait, because the Bamboo Viper Master’s trial started days ago, and not participating results in the purging of his Step knowledge. Not something he wants to risk.
Joining the trial holds extra danger for Ruwen because fighting the Infernal God forced him to use forbidden Shadow Clan knowledge, breaking an oath, and the Founders will certainly punish him. But he’s spent the last eighteen months intensely training for the worst, so the peril doesn’t frighten him.
What does make Ruwen pause is the chaos back home, because attending the Master’s trial will delay his return. But the Steps hold no more secrets from him, and finishing the testing quickly will be trivial. His homecoming will barely notice the delay.
Entering the Master’s trial, Ruwen learns there are seven secrets, not six, and his assumptions quickly fall apart. The Founders deliver additional troubles, as the consequences of his broken oath spread further than he thought possible.
Ruwen's seemingly straightforward trial may prove a trap, and instead of leaving a Master of the Bamboo Viper Step Clan, he may fail to unravel the mystery of the seventh step and spend eternity in the shadow’s darkness. Even if he survives it, the terrible judgment of the Founders awaits, and amid all this uncertainty an ancient relic delivers a misfortunate prophecy that if left unheeded, declares death will surely find him.
670 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
400 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Kay
18 books334 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 9, 2023
I have liked all of these. This one is no different. All together just another fun installation. The MC is getting a little wrapped around the axle blaming himself for stuff that really isn't his fault, but other than that it is delightful. If there is a problem with this book it is that the whole book was a transitional installment and not a main story progression, but done in a way that didn't infuriate me. If the next book isn't a full fledged main story arc novel I will be upset, but this was a nice installment.
March 5, 2023
So Very Sad
I’m not sure why an author would sabotage their own work, but this one managed. Somehow managed to go from a strong maturing character to a weak, whiny, idiot in like 10 pages. It didn’t even help the story.
I actually want the the MC to die so someone else can carry the storyline.
I’m not sure why an author would sabotage their own work, but this one managed. Somehow managed to go from a strong maturing character to a weak, whiny, idiot in like 10 pages. It didn’t even help the story.
I actually want the the MC to die so someone else can carry the storyline.
March 7, 2023
Damn, this is a good book and a great series. 👍🏽👍🏽
March 2, 2023
A Struggle
Similar to the last book in that you could skip to 60% and still not miss anything. This one didn’t pick up until about 80% and became what I enjoyed so much about the first books.
The entire book was dedicated to getting his Black Belt in Karate (Steps). It can all be summed up as: I Ruwen here for my Black Belt. I Ruwen am the best Stepper ever, even more than the Founders. I Ruwen teach you all better than Founders and even teach Founders the right way. I Ruwen will spend chapters on internal dialog and sit on my pedestal and Preach Philosophy. Then after that 60-70% of the book we actually get to some action and movement.
It seems to me in the last two books the author has struggled to find the direction of the story. The last two books could have been easily shortened and rolled into one without losing anything. I really enjoyed the story until 6th Runs and have struggled with it since just because they have been so choked full of filler and fluff. Not sure I have it in me to go through anymore of a story that has just turned into preachy fluff
Similar to the last book in that you could skip to 60% and still not miss anything. This one didn’t pick up until about 80% and became what I enjoyed so much about the first books.
The entire book was dedicated to getting his Black Belt in Karate (Steps). It can all be summed up as: I Ruwen here for my Black Belt. I Ruwen am the best Stepper ever, even more than the Founders. I Ruwen teach you all better than Founders and even teach Founders the right way. I Ruwen will spend chapters on internal dialog and sit on my pedestal and Preach Philosophy. Then after that 60-70% of the book we actually get to some action and movement.
It seems to me in the last two books the author has struggled to find the direction of the story. The last two books could have been easily shortened and rolled into one without losing anything. I really enjoyed the story until 6th Runs and have struggled with it since just because they have been so choked full of filler and fluff. Not sure I have it in me to go through anymore of a story that has just turned into preachy fluff
March 7, 2023
This review is mostly for me to remember not to buy any more books in this series. In short: Ok story, ruined by ending. Pointless and unpleasent... I know I liked quite a few small details along the way, but they have been wiped from my memory.
More spoilery details: This book adds a lot of people. The goal of the mc quickly becomes to protect each and every one of them. He succeeds and brings them all past the finish line, only for the enemy to have both found him and crafted a trap in less than a week. Somehow mc should have known this, known not to show mercy in the past, known the meaning of a vague and pointless tarot reading, known not to help his friend go on an ego-boosting sidequest and so on. All but one of the new people were slaughtered in a gory spectacal making the entire book pointless. Mc moves on from the loss before the day is over and all that remains is guilt and self-lothing, which is wrong in so many ways. It would have made much more sense and had a bigger, more complicated impact if only one person died, but have it be one of his most closest friends. Either his GF or BFF. Why not have BFF die attempting to become the champion of champions? Then mc would have to deal with the loss of a genuine friend, having to change his plans, guilt over not being able to save him and not stopping the childishness, face parents, lover, other friends, a long with anger that bff died, that he failed and left him. And forever be reminded by the taste of maple syrup....
Or better yet, just have mc get a small win on his way toward more larger battles. Or have the turncoat come along much, much sooner.
But that wasn't the story we got so I probably wont be reading anymore of this series.
More spoilery details: This book adds a lot of people. The goal of the mc quickly becomes to protect each and every one of them. He succeeds and brings them all past the finish line, only for the enemy to have both found him and crafted a trap in less than a week. Somehow mc should have known this, known not to show mercy in the past, known the meaning of a vague and pointless tarot reading, known not to help his friend go on an ego-boosting sidequest and so on. All but one of the new people were slaughtered in a gory spectacal making the entire book pointless. Mc moves on from the loss before the day is over and all that remains is guilt and self-lothing, which is wrong in so many ways. It would have made much more sense and had a bigger, more complicated impact if only one person died, but have it be one of his most closest friends. Either his GF or BFF. Why not have BFF die attempting to become the champion of champions? Then mc would have to deal with the loss of a genuine friend, having to change his plans, guilt over not being able to save him and not stopping the childishness, face parents, lover, other friends, a long with anger that bff died, that he failed and left him. And forever be reminded by the taste of maple syrup....
Or better yet, just have mc get a small win on his way toward more larger battles. Or have the turncoat come along much, much sooner.
But that wasn't the story we got so I probably wont be reading anymore of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2023
I've never been more impressed with a fictional martial art. The central tenant of balance is not uncommon but taken to the next level of Harmony, it seems to channel Newton's Third Law, "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." The entire philosophy is rich and nuanced, lending it a strong feeling of verisimilitude.
Another admirable element is constant throughout the series... the friendship between Ruwen and Sift. One small takeaway is my commitment to finding a way to compliment daily those I care about. It reminds us how special our friends are, and strengthens these most valuable bonds.
Another admirable element is constant throughout the series... the friendship between Ruwen and Sift. One small takeaway is my commitment to finding a way to compliment daily those I care about. It reminds us how special our friends are, and strengthens these most valuable bonds.
March 15, 2023
Excellent Book
Loved it. Actually reread everything again before I dug into this book. Series is so much fun. 2 big things surprised me that I hadn't predicted and couldn't stop reading it! I can't wait for the next release
Loved it. Actually reread everything again before I dug into this book. Series is so much fun. 2 big things surprised me that I hadn't predicted and couldn't stop reading it! I can't wait for the next release
June 4, 2024
Way too much time training but the end made up for it
March 10, 2023
A fracturing
Ruwan goes through a lot, yet again. He is wise and it's easy to forget that he's A child. He is learning many harsh lessons. He seems to find enemies everywhere, and some allies may not be always positive (but the golem means well). Definitely a series I need more of.
Ruwan goes through a lot, yet again. He is wise and it's easy to forget that he's A child. He is learning many harsh lessons. He seems to find enemies everywhere, and some allies may not be always positive (but the golem means well). Definitely a series I need more of.
March 9, 2023
Amazing
A.F. Kay has done it again. This installment was joyful journey of the steps, enlightenment, and lessons learned. Thank you.
A.F. Kay has done it again. This installment was joyful journey of the steps, enlightenment, and lessons learned. Thank you.
March 4, 2023
Still a great series, definitely recommend reading the "spin off" book titled Hanna'a Last Prayer first. I'm glad this series continues to put out good books without all the garbage i'm seeing these days in the fantasy genre. Looking forward to the next book!
February 25, 2023
So very bittersweet
Why does Gunder assume that his family isn’t in the queue? And wouldn’t it just be expedient to bring him into one of the dungeons and keep him there until you figure out what to do with him?
I loved that Ruwen was reminded, even if he doesn’t quite believe it, that he’s not responsible for the choices that others make. The foreshadowing that led to this point was excellently done. And I loved the accomplishments that Ruwen shared with all of his fellow Clan.
This book held so much joy, and such melancholy. I certainly hope that Ruwen somehow consumes the Aspects that Lalquinrial made while ascending to the divine realms. It would be delightfully ironic that he is efforts to prevent Ruwen from advancing become the very impetus for his advancement. And the 4 Aspects just need to die - I don’t think that Ruwen has any qualms left over bringing them permanent death any longer.
Why does Gunder assume that his family isn’t in the queue? And wouldn’t it just be expedient to bring him into one of the dungeons and keep him there until you figure out what to do with him?
I loved that Ruwen was reminded, even if he doesn’t quite believe it, that he’s not responsible for the choices that others make. The foreshadowing that led to this point was excellently done. And I loved the accomplishments that Ruwen shared with all of his fellow Clan.
This book held so much joy, and such melancholy. I certainly hope that Ruwen somehow consumes the Aspects that Lalquinrial made while ascending to the divine realms. It would be delightfully ironic that he is efforts to prevent Ruwen from advancing become the very impetus for his advancement. And the 4 Aspects just need to die - I don’t think that Ruwen has any qualms left over bringing them permanent death any longer.
March 1, 2023
very good
This was another solid installment to the series. I appreciated that the MC had to learn some hard lessons. The only thing I didn’t like was the fortune golem. It seemed like a superfluous addition to the story. You could have the same exact events without it’s presence and nothing changes.
This was another solid installment to the series. I appreciated that the MC had to learn some hard lessons. The only thing I didn’t like was the fortune golem. It seemed like a superfluous addition to the story. You could have the same exact events without it’s presence and nothing changes.
February 24, 2023
Brilliant
I've read a lot of books similar to this series, and only the early books from the ten realms come even close to this level of world building. The author has done something that I think few authors ever do while writing gamelit or litrpg fictions. He maintains a very strict sense of danger while also still managing a great power scalinging fantasy. On top of that, the attention to detail is almost disgusting. Most authors have extraneous details that get added in and are never reused or revisited. Not here. Ruwen has an inventory and nearly perfect memory, and he remembers to use it. It's truly a beautiful thing when you don't have to shout at your book what the character should be doing because you have a better track of their inventory than they do. I'm pleased. That is all.
I've read a lot of books similar to this series, and only the early books from the ten realms come even close to this level of world building. The author has done something that I think few authors ever do while writing gamelit or litrpg fictions. He maintains a very strict sense of danger while also still managing a great power scalinging fantasy. On top of that, the attention to detail is almost disgusting. Most authors have extraneous details that get added in and are never reused or revisited. Not here. Ruwen has an inventory and nearly perfect memory, and he remembers to use it. It's truly a beautiful thing when you don't have to shout at your book what the character should be doing because you have a better track of their inventory than they do. I'm pleased. That is all.
February 27, 2023
still worth it.
I liked that lyl and Hamma had their own book. It gives hope Sift can get the attention his character deserves. This book is the master trials we’ve been waiting for. It won’t be one of my favorites but the quality is there. Sift deserved more of a front seat. Adda is his name. I like Rewen but Sifts character is just as strong and the books would be better if they reflected that.
I liked that lyl and Hamma had their own book. It gives hope Sift can get the attention his character deserves. This book is the master trials we’ve been waiting for. It won’t be one of my favorites but the quality is there. Sift deserved more of a front seat. Adda is his name. I like Rewen but Sifts character is just as strong and the books would be better if they reflected that.
February 23, 2023
Another stellar entry
So the Step Master trials take up almost the entirety of the book, and I’m actually pretty ok with that. It was great to see Ruwen progress his knowledge there and realize that he still has things to learn. It was also great to see his interactions with the other Adepts and how things pan out. We get the culmination of a couple of long running threads, and some sweet setup for book 8. My only wish was that Ruwen would have progressed more in his cultivation levels, but I think that’s coming next book along with some other very interesting possibilities. And man I CANNOT WAIT! Things are about to get wild!
So the Step Master trials take up almost the entirety of the book, and I’m actually pretty ok with that. It was great to see Ruwen progress his knowledge there and realize that he still has things to learn. It was also great to see his interactions with the other Adepts and how things pan out. We get the culmination of a couple of long running threads, and some sweet setup for book 8. My only wish was that Ruwen would have progressed more in his cultivation levels, but I think that’s coming next book along with some other very interesting possibilities. And man I CANNOT WAIT! Things are about to get wild!
February 26, 2023
I love this series....
This book was great. The author continues to impress me. Love the characters in this series the loops & surprises.. I own every one of the books from this series on audible. And don't have any regrets. :).
This book was great. The author continues to impress me. Love the characters in this series the loops & surprises.. I own every one of the books from this series on audible. And don't have any regrets. :).
February 26, 2023
Amazing Read
So surprised when book 7 dropped. It was well worth the wait! Unbelievable story telling that made me laugh, smile and cry. Book 8 cannot arrive too soon.
So surprised when book 7 dropped. It was well worth the wait! Unbelievable story telling that made me laugh, smile and cry. Book 8 cannot arrive too soon.
February 23, 2023
The most poorly-written of the series
I normally enjoy this series. It's normally well-written, with few grammatical errors and decent enough pacing. This one, however, is riddled with incorrect usage of voice and tense, poor punctuation, and grammatical mistakes, taking away from my enjoyment of reading and frustrating me instead. I would recommend reading this only if you have made it this far, and then only to get to the next one.
I normally enjoy this series. It's normally well-written, with few grammatical errors and decent enough pacing. This one, however, is riddled with incorrect usage of voice and tense, poor punctuation, and grammatical mistakes, taking away from my enjoyment of reading and frustrating me instead. I would recommend reading this only if you have made it this far, and then only to get to the next one.
February 24, 2023
Absolutely incredible.
Phenomenal read. I burned through this book so fast I could not put it down. Really delivers on the action, the story is still great and I particularly liked this arc and the lessons learned and how it'll change and shape Ruwen. Also just the way that some of these are written and described are top quality. Easy 5/5.
Phenomenal read. I burned through this book so fast I could not put it down. Really delivers on the action, the story is still great and I particularly liked this arc and the lessons learned and how it'll change and shape Ruwen. Also just the way that some of these are written and described are top quality. Easy 5/5.
February 24, 2023
Ah, Such a thriller!
This book in the series brings emotions to the surface. All the emotions from laughter to tears. Be ready for an emotional ride. Must have read the first 6 books to enjoy the fruit filled pages of this 7th book in the series. A must read!
This book in the series brings emotions to the surface. All the emotions from laughter to tears. Be ready for an emotional ride. Must have read the first 6 books to enjoy the fruit filled pages of this 7th book in the series. A must read!
February 25, 2023
still great
I really like the progression of the series so far. Likable characters and cool world building. I highly recommend the series .
I really like the progression of the series so far. Likable characters and cool world building. I highly recommend the series .
Read
February 23, 2023A great addition to this series!
I have been waiting a long time to read this book, and I am happy to say it was worth it! I loved how the book focused on the Bamboo Viper Steps, and we got to learn so much more about what makes up a grandmaster. I look forward to reading the next book!
I have been waiting a long time to read this book, and I am happy to say it was worth it! I loved how the book focused on the Bamboo Viper Steps, and we got to learn so much more about what makes up a grandmaster. I look forward to reading the next book!
February 23, 2023
Another great installment; for all the fun and silliness the ending does remind us there's a grown-up story in here. I would recommend reading Hamma's Last Prayer before this one. It's not necessary, but I did appreciate having the knowledge of those events in reading this book.
February 22, 2023
Divine pastries
Tasty filling, and a very sweet frosting. Or something like that.
The team of Ruwen and Sift is virtually unstoppable. When they have a plan.
That was a pretty heavy ending.
I will pre-order the next book as soon as it appears.
Tasty filling, and a very sweet frosting. Or something like that.
The team of Ruwen and Sift is virtually unstoppable. When they have a plan.
That was a pretty heavy ending.
I will pre-order the next book as soon as it appears.
February 23, 2023
Like it
A lot of action and drama. It really moved the story along. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this series.
A lot of action and drama. It really moved the story along. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this series.
February 24, 2023
one of the best of the series
Ruwen and Sift being awesome. What more could I ask for? And the ending… wow. We’ve been waiting on the events of this book for a long time and it doesn’t disappoint
Ruwen and Sift being awesome. What more could I ask for? And the ending… wow. We’ve been waiting on the events of this book for a long time and it doesn’t disappoint
February 22, 2023
If You Know You Know
If you have made it this far then you know what business you are about; carry on fellow fan, I'll see you at the end.
If you have made it this far then you know what business you are about; carry on fellow fan, I'll see you at the end.
February 23, 2023
Outstanding
I can't think of another series that has improved with every book as this series has. Phenomenal book and a great series.
I can't think of another series that has improved with every book as this series has. Phenomenal book and a great series.
February 22, 2023
Best In Series
Or not. Keep reading. You know you want to. As for me? I’m going to go have a whole mess of pancakes.
Or not. Keep reading. You know you want to. As for me? I’m going to go have a whole mess of pancakes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews