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Path of the Deathless Book One: A LitRPG Progression Epic
Whatever kills Shiv only makes him stronger.
An outcast without a Path, Shiv was never supposed to amount to anything. The System ignored him, and his town despised him. But when he is murdered defending his home, the universe makes a
It gives him a second chance.
Awakening with the Path of the Deathless, Shiv is thrown into the Abyss. Here, amidst wonders and nightmares, he discovers a terrifying Every time he dies, he comes back stronger.
Now, the Abyss isn't a prison—it's an all-you-can-eat buffet of XP.
And Shiv is starving.
Read the smash-hit LitRPG with over 9 Million views on RoyalRoad. Perfect for fans of Stubborn Skill Grinder and Defiance of the Fall!
An outcast without a Path, Shiv was never supposed to amount to anything. The System ignored him, and his town despised him. But when he is murdered defending his home, the universe makes a
It gives him a second chance.
Awakening with the Path of the Deathless, Shiv is thrown into the Abyss. Here, amidst wonders and nightmares, he discovers a terrifying Every time he dies, he comes back stronger.
Now, the Abyss isn't a prison—it's an all-you-can-eat buffet of XP.
And Shiv is starving.
Read the smash-hit LitRPG with over 9 Million views on RoyalRoad. Perfect for fans of Stubborn Skill Grinder and Defiance of the Fall!
896 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 18, 2026
absolutely fantastic book!
This author is on a rampage, writing thousands of words every day! Great series to investor time in, I saw he already has seven books prepped and ready to go.
Fantastic book, with a really well-thought-out system, ecology, and enough enemies to write about for the next 10 years without stopping!
This author is on a rampage, writing thousands of words every day! Great series to investor time in, I saw he already has seven books prepped and ready to go.
Fantastic book, with a really well-thought-out system, ecology, and enough enemies to write about for the next 10 years without stopping!
May 24, 2026
A good start locks the reader's sympathy onto the youthful protagonist, Shiv. It's not long before the inciting incident kicks off the main Deathless premise and it's non-stop action for the next 400 pages. At which point the plot grinds to a near stop as the cast of characters spend 100 pages patting each other on the back and having fun training while wise cracking non-stop.
Book one should have ended with a celebration and book two should have picked up at the end of the training montage. Instead we get this badly impaired pacing which undermines the apparent urgency of saving the boys' home town.
There's only so far the Deathless premise can carry a story on it's own. I fear book two may go beyond that point.
Book one should have ended with a celebration and book two should have picked up at the end of the training montage. Instead we get this badly impaired pacing which undermines the apparent urgency of saving the boys' home town.
There's only so far the Deathless premise can carry a story on it's own. I fear book two may go beyond that point.
May 20, 2026
DNF at 68%
The book started with a complex and well written plot with a likeable protagonist. Sadly the story is heavily flawed by the forced use of gender pronouns that make reading these parts of the book a real chore and the ridiculous power leveling speed of the protagonist that seem to make power levels most times irrelevant.
After about 40% of the book the protagonist all of a sudden turns into an annoying girlish chatterbox that just can't shut the f#ck up and keepsup the moronic banter at even during fights. At about half of the book the story sadly becomes very juvenile and contrived. I fought on but ultimately gave up when i couldn'ttakeitanymore..
Criticism and comments
Robots with feelings?
"the man’s arms multiplied as he drew back on his bowstring with a hundred hands." That sounds stupid..
Why is someone a themselves? How fat is this person?
Why do those idiots keep using longbows indoors?
Why is a man referred to as "they"? Is the author timid to assume his gender? #rofl#
The author's insistence to constantly refer to single persons as "they " makes reading the story a chore. It's a travesty. And then, after several torturous pages of "their face", "their leg" etc the author finally switches to refering to him as "he".. WTF (later on he regresses again into "the" for the same man)
It's ridiculous how long he falls..
Why would a great fire spitting dragon need an axe?
Spiders using hammers are dumb!
A satchel is a "them" too? Is it because the MC doesn't know the gender of choice of whatever creature the leather came at it's moment of death? Is he unsure if the bag is made of the leather several creatures?#rofl#
Reflexes 43 > 37, that's not an upgrade..
"To forcibly bind any being capable of thought is a grave sin that will see you slated for rehabilitation.” But killing or using them as spider food isn't?
Great. A male dragon is a "they" too now..
"There’s nothing I hate more than a liar,"So serial killers, sociopaths, rapists and torturers are more sympathetic than liars? An interesting statement as your species reproduces by maggots eating sapient beings alive and number in the tens of millions..
Shouldn't these people know the gender of their ancestor and god? I hope he smites them for sacrilegious misgendering!
I found it rather naive that a telepathic species of spider people would act this way and enjoy the same kind of food..
Cooking 20 >21 that happened twice!
I liked Shiv more when he didn't blab ceaselessly!
"If my soul had testicles… she'd have definitely just kicked them…" what a drama queen..
Shiv shouldn't talk so much nonsense if lies are the biggest crime there..
“Get your own Young Asshole!” Why do i have to read something like this?
Why didn't C use that skill before when she knew the area was compromised?
The book started with a complex and well written plot with a likeable protagonist. Sadly the story is heavily flawed by the forced use of gender pronouns that make reading these parts of the book a real chore and the ridiculous power leveling speed of the protagonist that seem to make power levels most times irrelevant.
After about 40% of the book the protagonist all of a sudden turns into an annoying girlish chatterbox that just can't shut the f#ck up and keepsup the moronic banter at even during fights. At about half of the book the story sadly becomes very juvenile and contrived. I fought on but ultimately gave up when i couldn'ttakeitanymore..
Criticism and comments
Robots with feelings?
"the man’s arms multiplied as he drew back on his bowstring with a hundred hands." That sounds stupid..
Why is someone a themselves? How fat is this person?
Why do those idiots keep using longbows indoors?
Why is a man referred to as "they"? Is the author timid to assume his gender? #rofl#
The author's insistence to constantly refer to single persons as "they " makes reading the story a chore. It's a travesty. And then, after several torturous pages of "their face", "their leg" etc the author finally switches to refering to him as "he".. WTF (later on he regresses again into "the" for the same man)
It's ridiculous how long he falls..
Why would a great fire spitting dragon need an axe?
Spiders using hammers are dumb!
A satchel is a "them" too? Is it because the MC doesn't know the gender of choice of whatever creature the leather came at it's moment of death? Is he unsure if the bag is made of the leather several creatures?#rofl#
Reflexes 43 > 37, that's not an upgrade..
"To forcibly bind any being capable of thought is a grave sin that will see you slated for rehabilitation.” But killing or using them as spider food isn't?
Great. A male dragon is a "they" too now..
"There’s nothing I hate more than a liar,"So serial killers, sociopaths, rapists and torturers are more sympathetic than liars? An interesting statement as your species reproduces by maggots eating sapient beings alive and number in the tens of millions..
Shouldn't these people know the gender of their ancestor and god? I hope he smites them for sacrilegious misgendering!
I found it rather naive that a telepathic species of spider people would act this way and enjoy the same kind of food..
Cooking 20 >21 that happened twice!
I liked Shiv more when he didn't blab ceaselessly!
"If my soul had testicles… she'd have definitely just kicked them…" what a drama queen..
Shiv shouldn't talk so much nonsense if lies are the biggest crime there..
“Get your own Young Asshole!” Why do i have to read something like this?
Why didn't C use that skill before when she knew the area was compromised?
April 20, 2026
Pretty fun. An interesting gimmick and pretty well written. It falls into a lot of trap that chapter by chapter online books fall into when turned into full books.
March 26, 2026
I didn't finish. The banter got a bit stale and the powers are so vague that the story has already turned into MC winning or losing and numbers go up, but without a connection between the two. There isn't even expendable resources or spells, just headaches and imagination. I might pick it up if more books hit audible because the story seemed interesting and the characters were pretty good. It really comes down to that loosey goosey power system feeling like an afterthought that irritates me.
April 23, 2026
Cannot possibly be more glowing in my praise for this series. Incredible mix of hilarity, camp, carnal badassery, and beautiful characterization. Would treat it sort of like a Deadpool comic or Tarantino flick but a touch more whimsical than either. Regardless, don’t go in expecting any one outcome and just enjoy the ride. 100/10
June 9, 2026
Book one
For those of you who like the completely overpowered battle crazy lunatic stories this 1's for you. I read this 1 on royal road and I did make it all the way through book 1And part way through book 2 honestly. Wasn't my cup of tea honestly I'm not a fan of those kind of characters. I like the ones that have to think have to make choices have a tough progression And actually build something I didn't feel like there was much of that in here. It's purely about battle junkies Tub of tea. So if you like that kind of story this 1's for you. It wasn't bad it just wasn't my thing. But I wanna thank the author for letting us read along as he wrote it.
5/10
For those of you who like the completely overpowered battle crazy lunatic stories this 1's for you. I read this 1 on royal road and I did make it all the way through book 1And part way through book 2 honestly. Wasn't my cup of tea honestly I'm not a fan of those kind of characters. I like the ones that have to think have to make choices have a tough progression And actually build something I didn't feel like there was much of that in here. It's purely about battle junkies Tub of tea. So if you like that kind of story this 1's for you. It wasn't bad it just wasn't my thing. But I wanna thank the author for letting us read along as he wrote it.
5/10
May 24, 2026
Absolutely no real weight given to the emotional and paychological impact of pain or death. Simplistic MC mentality in general. There is some reference to it potentially being a result of his curse, but no evidence. Despite this, if you go in without taking it seriously to watch an OP MC essentially going on a power growth fantasy and meeting with minimal significant setbacks or resistance in a world where most deaths won't make you feel bad, it can be a fun read. If I find spare time I might follow up on the series.
April 22, 2026
Great work, just not for me
This book has a lot going for it: lots of clever humor, some of which even earned a laugh. Amazing world building for a serial. Decent character development. Generally well paced. Definitely worth a shot for any litrpg fans.
Unfortunately it has some of my biggest genre peeves, primarily a literally unkillable MC and heavy use of mind magic, so I'm done at book 1.
This book has a lot going for it: lots of clever humor, some of which even earned a laugh. Amazing world building for a serial. Decent character development. Generally well paced. Definitely worth a shot for any litrpg fans.
Unfortunately it has some of my biggest genre peeves, primarily a literally unkillable MC and heavy use of mind magic, so I'm done at book 1.
May 4, 2026
Breath of Fresh Air
I am an avid reader of the genre, and this has been a welcome reprieve from books I couldnt make it through, or put down partway through a series. The world building has complexity, there is humor, good action, and a good spin on the MC's ability. It may not be a top book of all time for me, but of the series continues this well it might make it up there!
I am an avid reader of the genre, and this has been a welcome reprieve from books I couldnt make it through, or put down partway through a series. The world building has complexity, there is humor, good action, and a good spin on the MC's ability. It may not be a top book of all time for me, but of the series continues this well it might make it up there!
March 21, 2026
One of the best I've ever read!
I have read book 1 on royal road and it's amazing. The characters, power system, lore, and philosophical undertones are way more than I expected when starting this (was expecting a generic power fantasy). 5 out of 5!
I have read book 1 on royal road and it's amazing. The characters, power system, lore, and philosophical undertones are way more than I expected when starting this (was expecting a generic power fantasy). 5 out of 5!
April 5, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this work; the unpredictability of the fight scenes, or rather the Death Scenes, they kept the narrative both engaging and captivating. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 6, 2026
A LITRPG with compelling characters
Unlike many other litrpgs, I find myself reading not purely for the progression but for the entertaining dialogues and genuinely likable protagonist.
Unlike many other litrpgs, I find myself reading not purely for the progression but for the entertaining dialogues and genuinely likable protagonist.
March 27, 2026
5 star
Pretty fire ngl probably could have been two books though. Im definitely going to get the next book good first book I series.
Pretty fire ngl probably could have been two books though. Im definitely going to get the next book good first book I series.
March 30, 2026
one of the best litrpg out there, the books is packed with action but also with deep questions about what it means to move forward even after years of pain
April 5, 2026
what a start
My new favorite series! Highly highly recommend to anyone! MC is awesome and story is a killer. Looking forward to the next one!
My new favorite series! Highly highly recommend to anyone! MC is awesome and story is a killer. Looking forward to the next one!
April 7, 2026
Good book
There are a few things that I didn't really like about the story but for the most part I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book
There are a few things that I didn't really like about the story but for the most part I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the next book
April 16, 2026
Pretty good if a bit rough.
Story really drags on the back half and the Adam character is a stretch. But overall, this is pretty fun.
Story really drags on the back half and the Adam character is a stretch. But overall, this is pretty fun.
April 19, 2026
Diamond tier!
10/10! Absolutely beautiful read and so well done. Love it so much! I can’t wait to read the next book! Thank you!
10/10! Absolutely beautiful read and so well done. Love it so much! I can’t wait to read the next book! Thank you!
April 30, 2026
A novel idea!
A fresh take on the litrpg genre. A decent plot, quirky characters and a good page turner t’boot! Difficult to put down.
A fresh take on the litrpg genre. A decent plot, quirky characters and a good page turner t’boot! Difficult to put down.
didn-t-like-it
April 30, 2026Note to self: didn't do it for me.
May 5, 2026
good 4.5/5 book
The fights are a bit long sometimes, and the dialogues can also be a bit annoying.
The fights are a bit long sometimes, and the dialogues can also be a bit annoying.
May 16, 2026
Amazing
A must read! Couldn’t put the book down! A few missing letter (twice in the whole book) but it was still so good I’m giving it five stars!
A must read! Couldn’t put the book down! A few missing letter (twice in the whole book) but it was still so good I’m giving it five stars!
May 19, 2026
Amazing!!
Excellent book. Really entertaining and both characters and world have depth. Funny too. Can't wait to read the next book in series.
Excellent book. Really entertaining and both characters and world have depth. Funny too. Can't wait to read the next book in series.
June 17, 2026
so good!
Book was so funny and so good literally hooked in Read it in a day and a half, also bought the audiobook too, plan to listen to it as well. Deff need more of this series!
Book was so funny and so good literally hooked in Read it in a day and a half, also bought the audiobook too, plan to listen to it as well. Deff need more of this series!
June 17, 2026
wonderful
A gem in the dark this book, I stumbled across it, and been ingrossed all week, love it! Highly recommend!
A gem in the dark this book, I stumbled across it, and been ingrossed all week, love it! Highly recommend!
June 20, 2026
This one's got everything you want in a lit RPG. A protagonist who just won't give up, fun side characters, great worldbuilding, epic fights.
March 26, 2026
Favorite Series Of The Year
Shiv a young man born from a terrible ritual in a future earth where the System has brought ruin and redemption. Everyone either has a path where they can change their destiny or has a path bestowed upon them taking away their free will. Shiv has neither until the day he dies.
This is an explosive start to adrenaline fueled good time. Every door opened may be a nightmare where strife and struggle is king but Shiv The Deathless is right at home and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Shiv a young man born from a terrible ritual in a future earth where the System has brought ruin and redemption. Everyone either has a path where they can change their destiny or has a path bestowed upon them taking away their free will. Shiv has neither until the day he dies.
This is an explosive start to adrenaline fueled good time. Every door opened may be a nightmare where strife and struggle is king but Shiv The Deathless is right at home and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
May 30, 2026
I know the whole thing hinges on him repeatedly coming back to life, but it got a bit repetitive? The whole grinding skills through dying for fun is not for me I think. He never seems to worry, for example, that he might have a limited number of returns. Which is lucky or the book would have ended halfway through his first idiotic suicide spree. Anyway.
June 15, 2026
Surprisingly very good. I started reading the book because I saw that one of the writers I follow made a comment about it. At first it was ok but later we can see the tension rise, characters build well. Even we can see that sides are switched smoothly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews