Path of the Deathless Book One: A LitRPG Progression Epic

by OstensibleMammal

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!

896 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2026

Reviews

[Dakota Krout · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Jacob Beaudway · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Chris Chaser · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Gurjot Dhillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Edgardo Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Christine Antonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.