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Last Life #8
Shadow Pass
The Golden Lion has retreated to Atalia with the remnants of his army. An anxious calm has settled over war-torn Bergonia, but it doesn't seem likely that things will stay quiet for very long.
With the burden of command finally removed from his shoulders, Max is headed to northern Bergonia. To the lands of the Margraviate de Valier, which were conferred on him by King Carl III.
Frequent ebbs and flows, raids by Shadow beasts, mysterious ghosts - there are good reasons why the place known as Shadow Pass is considered one of the most dangerous regions in all Mainland.
Sworn enemies, unexpected meetings, secrets from the past... Max is about to face a whole range of new trials.
With the burden of command finally removed from his shoulders, Max is headed to northern Bergonia. To the lands of the Margraviate de Valier, which were conferred on him by King Carl III.
Frequent ebbs and flows, raids by Shadow beasts, mysterious ghosts - there are good reasons why the place known as Shadow Pass is considered one of the most dangerous regions in all Mainland.
Sworn enemies, unexpected meetings, secrets from the past... Max is about to face a whole range of new trials.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2025
219 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Alexey Osadchuk
34 books528 followersAlexey Osadchuk was born in 1979 in the Ukraine. In the late 1990s his family moved to the south of Spain where they still live today.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
Alexey was an avid reader from an early age, devouring adventure novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Jack London and Arthur Conan Doyle. In 2010 he wrote his first fantasy novel which was immediately accepted for publication.
He also used to be a passionate online gamer which prompted him to write the story of a man who joins an MMORPG game hoping to raise money for his daughter’s heart surgery. The first book of Mirror World was published In 2013. The English translation of the series is now available on Amazon in its entirety, prompting a reviewer to call Alexey “one of the best LitRPG authors to date”.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 25, 2025
Honestly, this series isn't trending in a great direction for me. It seems like each book has fewer genuine plot points than the one before and it makes it even more noticeable that the writing is fairly bloated, often spending five pages to say what could be said with five sentences.
Books 6 and 7 both felt like they were setting up for something, so it made things even more disappointing for me that nothing important happened in this book. Ultimately, it all felt like a side quest to explain how Max got some new equipment.
The power curve has also gotten a little out of hand as things move more into the supernatural auring vs demons stuff and I find myself missing the good old days when it was just Max putting arrogant nobles in their place in a duel. This book felt like 85% fluff and 10% climactic fight, but I felt no sense of satisfaction from the climax. I was honestly kind of bored.
This experience reminds me of The King's Dark Tidings, where the story started somewhat grounded and fun and then started going off the rails into supernatural stuff that felt made up on the fly.
Considering this isn't on Kindle Unlimited and I'm buying each volume individually, I feel like I'm getting much less enjoyment for my dollar. I can't help but notice the prices going up while the quality goes down. I hate to say it since I've enjoyed the early volumes quite a bit, but I might be at the end of my road with this series.
Books 6 and 7 both felt like they were setting up for something, so it made things even more disappointing for me that nothing important happened in this book. Ultimately, it all felt like a side quest to explain how Max got some new equipment.
The power curve has also gotten a little out of hand as things move more into the supernatural auring vs demons stuff and I find myself missing the good old days when it was just Max putting arrogant nobles in their place in a duel. This book felt like 85% fluff and 10% climactic fight, but I felt no sense of satisfaction from the climax. I was honestly kind of bored.
This experience reminds me of The King's Dark Tidings, where the story started somewhat grounded and fun and then started going off the rails into supernatural stuff that felt made up on the fly.
Considering this isn't on Kindle Unlimited and I'm buying each volume individually, I feel like I'm getting much less enjoyment for my dollar. I can't help but notice the prices going up while the quality goes down. I hate to say it since I've enjoyed the early volumes quite a bit, but I might be at the end of my road with this series.
February 24, 2026
Shadow Pass (Last Life #8) by Alexey Osadchuk
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Most series escalate by book eight. Shadow Pass deliberately slows down.
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This is a strategy-and-consequences installment: quieter, politically dense, and focused on what happens after a protagonist finally gains land, power, and responsibility. Instead of constant leveling and flashy duels, the story turns toward governance, survival, and long-term planning in one of the most dangerous regions on the map.
The shift in focus gives the series a noticeably different texture—less dungeon crawl, more feudal chessboard—and while that won’t work for everyone, it does make the world feel deeper and more lived-in.
What worked for me
The move to Max’s own territory adds meaningful stakes, forcing him to think like a ruler rather than just a fighter.
The world continues to expand through multiple viewpoints, creating the sense that larger conflicts are slowly converging beyond Max’s immediate struggles.
The prose flows smoothly for a translated work, keeping the political maneuvering readable instead of overwhelming.
What didn’t work as well
The pacing is uneven, with heavy setup dominating most of the book and the payoff arriving in a brief late burst.
Some power-level inconsistencies reduce tension, making certain conflicts feel less earned.
The expanding cast and POV count can dilute focus, especially in a volume that already prioritizes setup over resolution.
Characters and themes
Max remains the anchor of the story, but here he’s framed more as a reformer than a conqueror. His attempts to impose fairness on a resistant system highlight one of the book’s strongest themes: the gap between idealism and the brutal realities of power. Much of the surrounding cast operates in the background, clearly positioned for future confrontations rather than immediate payoff.
Final thoughts
Shadow Pass is unmistakably a bridge book—but it’s a confident one. It trades spectacle for positioning, planting seeds instead of harvesting them. If you’re invested in the series and enjoy slow-burn politics layered onto progression fantasy, this entry will feel like the calm before something much bigger. If you want every volume to deliver a complete, explosive arc, this one may feel more like table-setting than feast—but the table is clearly being set for a storm.
September 2, 2025
Finally, Max gets to his new lands and starts ruling them - many of his ideas to improve the lot of the peasantry are not welcome by his aristocratic companions, but he makes it clear he wants to do it. However, it is not clear who is to be trusted from his new subjects of importance, so danger and powerful enemies may lurk closer than expected. In various "other places" happenings, new characters are introduced, plans developed and old characters reappear with various schemes of their own
A transition novel, Shadow Pass, is not as strong as the previous installment, but it has enough energy and sends even more balls spinning into the air in the storyline to make the next installment an asap.
A transition novel, Shadow Pass, is not as strong as the previous installment, but it has enough energy and sends even more balls spinning into the air in the storyline to make the next installment an asap.
January 22, 2025
a review
I’m not sure how to review this book properly. I have enjoyed this story as a hole , yet I find myself disappointed at a few things. These books are not very long , It take me less than a day . If you would take two of these book and combine them you would have about 6 or 7 hundred pages. Now if in the course of 350 ish pages of one book you have a full story I wouldn’t be griping . We have meaningless conversations with background characters. We have pointless discussions (POV ) and even more unnecessary traveling ,This is book 8 , 95 % of this book is superfluous, I’m paying 8$ for the last 70 pages . Then I have to wait 6-7 months for the next book. Please tie up some of the loose threads you started in previous books !
I’m not sure how to review this book properly. I have enjoyed this story as a hole , yet I find myself disappointed at a few things. These books are not very long , It take me less than a day . If you would take two of these book and combine them you would have about 6 or 7 hundred pages. Now if in the course of 350 ish pages of one book you have a full story I wouldn’t be griping . We have meaningless conversations with background characters. We have pointless discussions (POV ) and even more unnecessary traveling ,This is book 8 , 95 % of this book is superfluous, I’m paying 8$ for the last 70 pages . Then I have to wait 6-7 months for the next book. Please tie up some of the loose threads you started in previous books !
February 7, 2025
Rating 4.0 stars
I still like this series. One of the few books with political content that I really like. It is hard to keep track though. The main character finally gets to his land in this book. Things aren't progressing in a straight line for him. His powers seem to vary wildly. He is still OP but the "golden parasite" thing is kind of weird. Not sure why he has it or what is supposed to do. Does it have something to do with being an Auring? It is confusing at times. The political component in this one didn't progress much. Overall, I like the series but I am wondering where it is going and how long it is going to take to get there.
I still like this series. One of the few books with political content that I really like. It is hard to keep track though. The main character finally gets to his land in this book. Things aren't progressing in a straight line for him. His powers seem to vary wildly. He is still OP but the "golden parasite" thing is kind of weird. Not sure why he has it or what is supposed to do. Does it have something to do with being an Auring? It is confusing at times. The political component in this one didn't progress much. Overall, I like the series but I am wondering where it is going and how long it is going to take to get there.
January 21, 2025
The story had a long set up and several side plots about intrigues all over the continent. The protagonist as usual was very full of himself but encountered another enemy that was too strong for him and AGAIN got saved by plot armor and a timely intervention.. After the save all enemies all of a sudden were "super easy. Barely an inconvenience " again..
For my taste the book was too short but i hardly found mistakes. If not for the well written intrigues i would have rated it even lower..
Criticism and comments
Astrid's solution would have caused a civil war in any realistic setting..
For my taste the book was too short but i hardly found mistakes. If not for the well written intrigues i would have rated it even lower..
Criticism and comments
Astrid's solution would have caused a civil war in any realistic setting..
January 23, 2025
I'm still enjoying this series, although it seems to be slowing down as it is forced to cover more ground.
January 26, 2025
I don’t usually complain much about length when a book is on Kindle Unlimited, and Russian authors are often known for writing shorter books compared to Western ones. However, when I’m paying €8 for a book, I expect a corresponding amount of content. That wasn’t the case here.
The book is extremely short and, in typical fashion, heavily features the POVs of other characters. While this style can make it challenging to keep up with all the names, it does allow the author to build a consistent and interesting world around the main character (MC). That said, when the majority of an already limited word count is spent on alternate POVs instead of the MC’s story—which is what I, and many other readers, were most looking forward to in Shadow Pass—it becomes a problem.
On the positive side, the language is quite good for a translation. That said, given that this is a purchase rather than a KU offering, I would have expected a bit more editing to improve the flow. While acceptable overall, it could have been polished further.
I really hope the next book is both longer and more focused on the MC. If the author intends to continue with this shorter style, it would be far better suited to KU. As it stands, this book is definitely not worth the price.
The book is extremely short and, in typical fashion, heavily features the POVs of other characters. While this style can make it challenging to keep up with all the names, it does allow the author to build a consistent and interesting world around the main character (MC). That said, when the majority of an already limited word count is spent on alternate POVs instead of the MC’s story—which is what I, and many other readers, were most looking forward to in Shadow Pass—it becomes a problem.
On the positive side, the language is quite good for a translation. That said, given that this is a purchase rather than a KU offering, I would have expected a bit more editing to improve the flow. While acceptable overall, it could have been polished further.
I really hope the next book is both longer and more focused on the MC. If the author intends to continue with this shorter style, it would be far better suited to KU. As it stands, this book is definitely not worth the price.
September 9, 2025
I prepared for this one by reading all the previous books again, so I would know who everyone was. (Would it kill him to put a little explainer at the start of every book, or a cast of characters?) Unfortunately, this didn’t help much with the slow pace and lack of plot development. He spends a lot of time talking to boring peasants about trade arrangements. There are a lot of scenes with shadowy figures promising that they’re just about to do something exciting, no for real this time. And of course uncle Elmer Fudd is definitely going to get that wascally wabbit, er, fox, with his new scheme, same as the old scheme. There’s a flash of excitement near the end but it kind of highlights how dull the rest of it is. I have book 9 but I think I deserve a break and possibly a reward of some kind. I don’t have high hopes for it.
January 24, 2025
The author's inclination toward eliminating his MC's previous acquaintances from another dimension is quite hilarious, I bet he has plans for them, but says "fuck it" and removes them.
This world and its characters are too extensive. You can hardly recall who they are or what their roles are unless you have saved all the names in a notepad. (I actually saved some of them in the earlier volumes, but just like the author, I say "fuck em" and didn't bother updating it).
There are too many things going on in different parts of the world, and you can already imagine that this series can go 10+ books if the pacing is this slow.
The ending of this volume is not satisfying at all.
3/5
This world and its characters are too extensive. You can hardly recall who they are or what their roles are unless you have saved all the names in a notepad. (I actually saved some of them in the earlier volumes, but just like the author, I say "fuck em" and didn't bother updating it).
There are too many things going on in different parts of the world, and you can already imagine that this series can go 10+ books if the pacing is this slow.
The ending of this volume is not satisfying at all.
3/5
March 10, 2025
sometimes you have to go through the shadows to advance the plot.
When you have a long series of books like this, there are bound to be ebbs and flows in the story’s pacing. This is just me, but in the series, I prefer the court intrigue and matters of nobilities over the excursions into the shadowlands.
This book is necessary to advance the plot, and I look forward to the next book. However, it is not the best in the series. Keep in mind that they all can’t be the best either.
In summary: it’s a necessary book, and I’m looking forward to the next one and I hope the main character finally gets to actually manage his margrave.
When you have a long series of books like this, there are bound to be ebbs and flows in the story’s pacing. This is just me, but in the series, I prefer the court intrigue and matters of nobilities over the excursions into the shadowlands.
This book is necessary to advance the plot, and I look forward to the next book. However, it is not the best in the series. Keep in mind that they all can’t be the best either.
In summary: it’s a necessary book, and I’m looking forward to the next one and I hope the main character finally gets to actually manage his margrave.
January 28, 2025
Continue to love this story. This book was more of a transition of the plotline.
This series has been exceptional in quality. At times, the pacing has been slow, but overall, the main characters in supporting cast, with dialogue, an action moving at a pace that makes you want to keep turning pages. This book works to advance the plot line and develop the characters. At times, I found it slow, but only in the sense that I couldn't wait for the story to move on... really, one of my favorite series of the last few years!
This series has been exceptional in quality. At times, the pacing has been slow, but overall, the main characters in supporting cast, with dialogue, an action moving at a pace that makes you want to keep turning pages. This book works to advance the plot line and develop the characters. At times, I found it slow, but only in the sense that I couldn't wait for the story to move on... really, one of my favorite series of the last few years!
February 6, 2025
So I reread this series before reading this latest volume and had a blast, especially since I sped-read the books originally and so I forgot many details and got to enjoy everything again. Still, this is the kind of book my inner-eighth-grader loves: overpowered and underestimated main character who comes against many arrogant and entitled aristocrats with lots of adventures and battles, lots of magic and magical characters, and almost no romance. In fact, these traits are true of many Russian fantasy novels I have come across in the LitRPG world.
July 15, 2025
Shadow Pass felt like a turning point in the series. Old characters start showing up again, and you can feel all the earlier plot threads slowly pulling together. There’s this sense that something bigger has been moving in the background all along, and now it's finally starting to break the surface.
It’s not just about survival anymore. The story’s digging deeper, and it really feels like the world is shifting in response. A solid, satisfying read that makes you appreciate how far things have come.
It’s not just about survival anymore. The story’s digging deeper, and it really feels like the world is shifting in response. A solid, satisfying read that makes you appreciate how far things have come.
February 5, 2025
Shadow Pass (Last Life #8)
I have read all eight books in the Last Life series. They just keep getting better and better. Last Life #8 dives deep into the mysteries around Shadow Pass and Max has to dig deeper than ever to overcome the damage the scarlet order did to his new lands and people plus there might be a surprise or two in store. Be sure to read the Last Life series, it's worth it!
I have read all eight books in the Last Life series. They just keep getting better and better. Last Life #8 dives deep into the mysteries around Shadow Pass and Max has to dig deeper than ever to overcome the damage the scarlet order did to his new lands and people plus there might be a surprise or two in store. Be sure to read the Last Life series, it's worth it!
December 2, 2025
Meh. The author is veering too far away from the bread and butter politicap intrigue. Seemed like the last 200 pages of this book were trash. If I didnt know better, it felt like I was suddenly reading a different series entirely. Too much weird supernatural junk. Im hoping the next book returns to the actual real stuff. This one was significantly less quality than the initial books. Also, im starting to suspect lots of AI written subplots and content is destroying the narrative
January 11, 2025
This is another ARC. I found a few mistakes, but what I found should get fixed before publication. So if anyone finds anything else let them know so it can be fixed.
The MC has finally reached his own lands, nothing much has been done there yet. I expect book nine to be about the MC building up his own lands.
I look forward to it. Also know that I do enjoy this series.
8/10
The MC has finally reached his own lands, nothing much has been done there yet. I expect book nine to be about the MC building up his own lands.
I look forward to it. Also know that I do enjoy this series.
8/10
January 22, 2025
Entertaining Read
Max finally ventures into his territory, eager to assess its condition. However, he uncovers more than he anticipated - a brewing battle, a surge in power, and intricate political maneuverings. The narrative is filled with captivating action, witty humor, and gripping intrigue, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Max finally ventures into his territory, eager to assess its condition. However, he uncovers more than he anticipated - a brewing battle, a surge in power, and intricate political maneuverings. The narrative is filled with captivating action, witty humor, and gripping intrigue, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment.
January 24, 2025
Book Eight is great!
Boy, by the time I’ve gotten to book 8 in many of my series I’ve lost where we are in the story, and don’t even recognize the main character any more. Not with this author! I couldn’t believe I had reached that end of the book so quickly, I was pulled in and finished it in a day. So sad I wanted the story to go on.
Boy, by the time I’ve gotten to book 8 in many of my series I’ve lost where we are in the story, and don’t even recognize the main character any more. Not with this author! I couldn’t believe I had reached that end of the book so quickly, I was pulled in and finished it in a day. So sad I wanted the story to go on.
February 21, 2025
Excellent as always!
This series is amazing. I’m always a little afraid the next book will fall flat, or the author will do something to kill my interest and love for the series, but each book just continues to hit the mark and build on the story. This series is definitely one of my favorite of all time.
Thank you, Alexey!
This series is amazing. I’m always a little afraid the next book will fall flat, or the author will do something to kill my interest and love for the series, but each book just continues to hit the mark and build on the story. This series is definitely one of my favorite of all time.
Thank you, Alexey!
January 20, 2025
Great Series
Really enjoying this series of book. Very well crafted writing that is an enjoyable read. It leaves me disappointed when I reach the end of the book as it leaves me craving for more.
Really enjoying this series of book. Very well crafted writing that is an enjoyable read. It leaves me disappointed when I reach the end of the book as it leaves me craving for more.
January 20, 2025
Book eight and going strong..
Love this series, epic book.
I can't wait until the next eight come out.
Or the next four.
Heck even the next two.
Send more BOOKS.
THANK YOU.
Post script sorry for yelling..
Love this series, epic book.
I can't wait until the next eight come out.
Or the next four.
Heck even the next two.
Send more BOOKS.
THANK YOU.
Post script sorry for yelling..
January 21, 2025
Good, but nothing much happens
I enjoyed reuniting with characters I love again, but ultimately it felt like a really long prelude. Still enjoyed it, but felt more like an appetizer than a meal. That being said, I highly recommend buying it.
I enjoyed reuniting with characters I love again, but ultimately it felt like a really long prelude. Still enjoyed it, but felt more like an appetizer than a meal. That being said, I highly recommend buying it.
January 23, 2025
A nice end to a story ark
I enjoyed this book and it wrapped up, at least for the time being, most of the open story. Clearly not the end of the story, look forward to the next installment.
I enjoyed this book and it wrapped up, at least for the time being, most of the open story. Clearly not the end of the story, look forward to the next installment.
January 23, 2025
Absolutely Amazing Stuff
This story of a Gypsy assassin witch taking over the life of a drunken bastard nobleman was absolutely fantastic. Not only did he have to rebuild his body he has to rebuild his reputation. Great Stuff
This story of a Gypsy assassin witch taking over the life of a drunken bastard nobleman was absolutely fantastic. Not only did he have to rebuild his body he has to rebuild his reputation. Great Stuff
January 27, 2025
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
January 28, 2025
Feels like it got too big
Overall the story was good but way too many alternative povs and side story for my tastes. Not saying it's bad in any form, just feels more like game of thrones now.
Overall the story was good but way too many alternative povs and side story for my tastes. Not saying it's bad in any form, just feels more like game of thrones now.
January 28, 2025
Best dam arhmage/swordmaster series I've read !
This is my number one book or series by far. Right behind legend of the arhmage king lark would have one hell of a fight on his hands but i would bet on the bastard any day!
This is my number one book or series by far. Right behind legend of the arhmage king lark would have one hell of a fight on his hands but i would bet on the bastard any day!
January 31, 2025
Noooo! I have to wait for book 9 now
So good, I just love this author and his stories. The characters are interesting and the storyline is fun and entertaining.
Looking forward to more from the authors…. Soon I hope 🤞
So good, I just love this author and his stories. The characters are interesting and the storyline is fun and entertaining.
Looking forward to more from the authors…. Soon I hope 🤞
February 15, 2025
Always as enjoyable to read and effective, always a pleasure to read, but even though I have the advantage of having 'French-sounding' names in the book, it becomes very difficult to remember who is who.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews