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Divine Apostasy #2
The Second Betrayal
Reaching level five has allowed Ruwen to stay hidden from the gods and their minions. He just needs to survive the new Ascendant orientation, and he can finally look for his parents.
But a secret discovered during orientation rocks Ruwen’s understanding and forces him to face the power of his Cultivation. He finds answers in the Black Pyramid, along with dozens of new questions.
With new knowledge, Ruwen works even harder to gain the Skills and Abilities to battle those who wish him harm. But a betrayal shatters his world, endangering him and his friends.
Even if Ruwen survives the aftermath, he may never recover from the terrible truths that are revealed.
Because the only thing worse than being betrayed is being betrayed twice.
But a secret discovered during orientation rocks Ruwen’s understanding and forces him to face the power of his Cultivation. He finds answers in the Black Pyramid, along with dozens of new questions.
With new knowledge, Ruwen works even harder to gain the Skills and Abilities to battle those who wish him harm. But a betrayal shatters his world, endangering him and his friends.
Even if Ruwen survives the aftermath, he may never recover from the terrible truths that are revealed.
Because the only thing worse than being betrayed is being betrayed twice.
542 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2020
905 people are currently reading
282 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
May 10, 2020
Rating 4.o stars
This book was a little better than the first. Ruwen is showing his worth a little more in this book. While still not a great fighter, he used his intelligence a lot more and showed the potential the Uru saw in him. It almost felt like there were 2 stories going on. The main story where Ruwen was the champion of Uru and assassins were after him. He also had to deal with his life as a worker and come to grips with his own prejudices, as well as try to find out what happened to his parents. The second story being told is life in the dungeon with Blappy. Time moves differently in this world at a 4:1 ratio. It seemed like most of the story dealt with Ruwen trying to get stronger and level up in Blappy, with nothing much happening in the main storyline (the time difference made this more believable). Hamma was added to the group and I thought she was an excellent counterbalance to Shift and Ruwen. She brought a grounding element to their silliness. The prologue pretty much gives away what is going to happen at the end of the book, but how it got there was interesting. It wasn't until the end that the title of the book made sense. Overall a pretty good series so far.
This book was a little better than the first. Ruwen is showing his worth a little more in this book. While still not a great fighter, he used his intelligence a lot more and showed the potential the Uru saw in him. It almost felt like there were 2 stories going on. The main story where Ruwen was the champion of Uru and assassins were after him. He also had to deal with his life as a worker and come to grips with his own prejudices, as well as try to find out what happened to his parents. The second story being told is life in the dungeon with Blappy. Time moves differently in this world at a 4:1 ratio. It seemed like most of the story dealt with Ruwen trying to get stronger and level up in Blappy, with nothing much happening in the main storyline (the time difference made this more believable). Hamma was added to the group and I thought she was an excellent counterbalance to Shift and Ruwen. She brought a grounding element to their silliness. The prologue pretty much gives away what is going to happen at the end of the book, but how it got there was interesting. It wasn't until the end that the title of the book made sense. Overall a pretty good series so far.
August 9, 2020
Might be one of the worst cases of blotched foreshadowing I ever read. Story is okay, but the final twist was painfully obvious after reading the prologue. Also, I'm having more and more trouble buying the "smart" MC.
December 8, 2025
The adventure continues! Bk 2 is a bit better, as long as you don’t mind the teenagers naiveté! It can be a bit frustrating but I expect as the MC continues to grow in power so will his wisdom! Still fun and interesting! I am enjoying the journey!
June 26, 2022
Decent
The protagonist is both the smartest and dumbest character, and the most annoying part of this series.
I like the development of the supporting characters. I like the small band of friends the author is cultivating.
The time dilation is convenient for the author but I can’t help and think it’s just a get out of jail story plot hole device.
Hopefully in 3 the protagonist isn’t so obliviously dumb.
The protagonist is both the smartest and dumbest character, and the most annoying part of this series.
I like the development of the supporting characters. I like the small band of friends the author is cultivating.
The time dilation is convenient for the author but I can’t help and think it’s just a get out of jail story plot hole device.
Hopefully in 3 the protagonist isn’t so obliviously dumb.
May 15, 2020
Waiting impatiently for #3
I’m not “wordy” so I’ll leave it at: I read 7 - 10 books a week (and have for over 45 years). This series is interesting, fast paced and not over engineered.
I’m very glad the author fired his agent and let his creativity blossom. Now hurry up and “blossom” the 3rd book already . . .
I’m not “wordy” so I’ll leave it at: I read 7 - 10 books a week (and have for over 45 years). This series is interesting, fast paced and not over engineered.
I’m very glad the author fired his agent and let his creativity blossom. Now hurry up and “blossom” the 3rd book already . . .
June 22, 2020
I liked this about as much as I did the first one. The encounters are great, dialogue is great, and world building/exploration is great.
My big problem with this book however, is the pace. Progression wasn’t really there at all until the very end and then it was all at once. He definitely progresses as a person and as a fighter which is great, but there is so much more to do and at this pace it will take tens more books to get anywhere. I was expecting him to be much further along by the end of this book.
It was also a bit predictable at times but I enjoyed where it went! Looking forward to the next one.
My big problem with this book however, is the pace. Progression wasn’t really there at all until the very end and then it was all at once. He definitely progresses as a person and as a fighter which is great, but there is so much more to do and at this pace it will take tens more books to get anywhere. I was expecting him to be much further along by the end of this book.
It was also a bit predictable at times but I enjoyed where it went! Looking forward to the next one.
June 28, 2024
Both the plot and characters are a chaotic jumble , jumping from one thing to the next. None of the plot points are impactful and the way characters talk to each other almost feels like I’m listening in on a conversation between two stimulant abusing chipmunks.
It’s not horrible nor is it great…. The only good thing going for it is the world building, which is decent.
It’s not horrible nor is it great…. The only good thing going for it is the world building, which is decent.
abandoned
September 8, 2023No reflection on the book itself, it's just I started it a while back and don't think I'll be getting back to it any time soon. So marking it abandoned. Your experience will likely be different.
May 1, 2024
Exciting! The world building is great and mixes attributes from different myths. Narrator is amazing!
May 9, 2021
Pacing worse than first book and saw the "betrayal" coming. Still going though to 3rd as I am looking for new reads.
October 6, 2021
This is fun, exciting and has great character development. Ruwen and Shift have the typically 16 year old's daft friends humour and jibes going on, which develops throughout the series and reminds me of the banter I had at that age and I see my son and his mates indulging in as well. Daft and irreverent at times, but showing that underlying love and affection. Its well written. To balance this out and add some serious notes Hamma is added into the mix and compliments the group dynamics perfectly.
The world building is just right for me. Enough to set the scene and paint a picture, but not shoved down your throat. This is subjective, I've read reviews of books where people praise the detail in the world building, and I found 5 pages to describe a building followed by another 10 on clothing and 30 on the religion and social structure, all of which bored me to distraction. I want enough to set the stage, but not enough to distract from or over power the story. Better yet wove it into the story rather than info dump, which is how its done here.
The story. Two aspects. Ruwen has to grow and develop his worker class and Ruwen has realised hes woefully under powered and cant fight. The latter has him trying to level up in the black pyramid dungeon which is a legendary over powered sentient dungeon with a evil sense of humour often at Ruwen's expense. Finally the much lauded and seldom seen intelligence emphasised in book one starts to come into play. He may lack the skills and weapons but he improvises with what he has excellently. Its inventive, its different and its refreshing. But I did stress "starts" to come into play, as sometimes he over thinks it, and doesn't always execute the ideas the best way possible. However you can see he's learning, through experimentation and trial and error, he's developing his unique style that really shines in books 3 and 4. Here its more fun and entertaining and often only just works. But surely that makes it more believable, as no one starts out an instant infallible genius. Part of the beauty of these books is watching him stumble and plod on and grow and flourish through hard work ingenuity and tenacity. Ruwen doesn't suddenly have warrior skills from no where, it isn't suddenly revealed that his Father was actually a weapons master with a sword or staff and taught him as a baby, both of which are seen too often in fantasy. He lacks these skills, he wants to learn them, but can't learn fast enough with so many over powered people and gods trying to kill him, so he uses what he has in unique ways and you root for him even more. He's also nudged into discovering cultivating or harvesting which is a semi-secret way to quickly gain power, which he needs. Ruwen makes mistakes, he regrets them and he learns from them. He's not an instant hero, he is however struggling to become one. This all adds up a lovable character and fast becoming addictive read.
The book also challenges preconceived prejudices within its domain, which seems a none too subtle hint that we should within our world too. Ruwen looked down on the worker class and believed they just enabled the great mages and warriors. Now he's a member of the worker class he see's how important they are, how talented and how gifted. He also discovers that the "monsters" in a dungeon work for the dungeon, get paid, have a social life, use the library. They offer a service to adventurers allowing them to level up, and are reborn when they die just like the adventurers who have ascended. Interesting twist that I've not seen before and yet works so well.
The book then culminates in the second betrayal, or is it? The ride, bumps and all, was awesome and it left me biting at the bit for book three, which I started immediately.
The world building is just right for me. Enough to set the scene and paint a picture, but not shoved down your throat. This is subjective, I've read reviews of books where people praise the detail in the world building, and I found 5 pages to describe a building followed by another 10 on clothing and 30 on the religion and social structure, all of which bored me to distraction. I want enough to set the stage, but not enough to distract from or over power the story. Better yet wove it into the story rather than info dump, which is how its done here.
The story. Two aspects. Ruwen has to grow and develop his worker class and Ruwen has realised hes woefully under powered and cant fight. The latter has him trying to level up in the black pyramid dungeon which is a legendary over powered sentient dungeon with a evil sense of humour often at Ruwen's expense. Finally the much lauded and seldom seen intelligence emphasised in book one starts to come into play. He may lack the skills and weapons but he improvises with what he has excellently. Its inventive, its different and its refreshing. But I did stress "starts" to come into play, as sometimes he over thinks it, and doesn't always execute the ideas the best way possible. However you can see he's learning, through experimentation and trial and error, he's developing his unique style that really shines in books 3 and 4. Here its more fun and entertaining and often only just works. But surely that makes it more believable, as no one starts out an instant infallible genius. Part of the beauty of these books is watching him stumble and plod on and grow and flourish through hard work ingenuity and tenacity. Ruwen doesn't suddenly have warrior skills from no where, it isn't suddenly revealed that his Father was actually a weapons master with a sword or staff and taught him as a baby, both of which are seen too often in fantasy. He lacks these skills, he wants to learn them, but can't learn fast enough with so many over powered people and gods trying to kill him, so he uses what he has in unique ways and you root for him even more. He's also nudged into discovering cultivating or harvesting which is a semi-secret way to quickly gain power, which he needs. Ruwen makes mistakes, he regrets them and he learns from them. He's not an instant hero, he is however struggling to become one. This all adds up a lovable character and fast becoming addictive read.
The book also challenges preconceived prejudices within its domain, which seems a none too subtle hint that we should within our world too. Ruwen looked down on the worker class and believed they just enabled the great mages and warriors. Now he's a member of the worker class he see's how important they are, how talented and how gifted. He also discovers that the "monsters" in a dungeon work for the dungeon, get paid, have a social life, use the library. They offer a service to adventurers allowing them to level up, and are reborn when they die just like the adventurers who have ascended. Interesting twist that I've not seen before and yet works so well.
The book then culminates in the second betrayal, or is it? The ride, bumps and all, was awesome and it left me biting at the bit for book three, which I started immediately.
December 29, 2021
Okay, so in case the headline isn't enough to convince you to get and read this novel, I'll expand a bit more. If you have read Shade's First Rule already, I likely do not need to convince you to get this book. But, just in case you are, for some odd and unknown reason, unsure about whether or not you want to continue the story, then let me ask this: are you really satisfied with not knowing the fallout of that last battle?
If you have NOT read Shade's First Rule, and are here trying to decide whether or not to start the series based upon the reviews of the other books in the series (because, let's face it, we've all started a series that we thought would be great based upon the first book and then were completely let down by the subsequent installments), let me assure you that this will not be the case. Ruwen and his friends continue to learn and grow in this book, while the larger story at play begins to unfold even more. Again, I don't want to say too much for fear of moving into spoiler territory.
A F Kay has delivered another wonderful novel in The Second Betrayal. The storytelling is on point, the character development is fantastic, the dialogue is outstanding, and the entire work is simply amazing. As with Shade's First Rule, A F Kay draws you in from the very beginning, sweeping you along in the story with such talent that, before you even realize it, you have spent the last 6 hours reading and simply cannot put the book down until you find out what happens next.
Also, as I mentioned in my review of Shade's First Rule, if you prefer audiobooks to ebooks, Travis Baldree does a masterful job with the narration. So, whichever way you go, whether it's picking up the e-reader of your choice to read the book or slipping on/in your headphones to listen to the audiobook, this in one that you absolutely will enjoy.
If you have NOT read Shade's First Rule, and are here trying to decide whether or not to start the series based upon the reviews of the other books in the series (because, let's face it, we've all started a series that we thought would be great based upon the first book and then were completely let down by the subsequent installments), let me assure you that this will not be the case. Ruwen and his friends continue to learn and grow in this book, while the larger story at play begins to unfold even more. Again, I don't want to say too much for fear of moving into spoiler territory.
A F Kay has delivered another wonderful novel in The Second Betrayal. The storytelling is on point, the character development is fantastic, the dialogue is outstanding, and the entire work is simply amazing. As with Shade's First Rule, A F Kay draws you in from the very beginning, sweeping you along in the story with such talent that, before you even realize it, you have spent the last 6 hours reading and simply cannot put the book down until you find out what happens next.
Also, as I mentioned in my review of Shade's First Rule, if you prefer audiobooks to ebooks, Travis Baldree does a masterful job with the narration. So, whichever way you go, whether it's picking up the e-reader of your choice to read the book or slipping on/in your headphones to listen to the audiobook, this in one that you absolutely will enjoy.
November 25, 2021
A fun story, heavy on the rpg of litrpg.
Most of the time I give reviews as soon as I finish the book. I have been listening to the series as I drive a truck so I have not been as quick with it. I have gone through the 5 available books. Book two is interesting and reveals the naming convention the A. F. Kay chose to put the book number in the title. The series is told in third person limited, and is appropriate for young adults and above and does try to make RPG elements a natural part of the world. I do think that long multiple pages of character chart read outs are not necessary and do severely hamper the story in terms of pacing. Travis Bladree can only do so much with readouts that can take a couple minutes to get through. Thankful the action, humor and overall fun of the story makes it worth it.
The characters are still engaging to a point and the setting is easily familiar as is the rpg style magic system. With the introduction of a cultivation system coming to the forefront it does feel as if the author is through a bit of everything into the book but also makes the main character a bit op already. Having the clever character overcoming his shortcoming trope is fun as always and seeing the character grow into someone powerful is fun. This series has a lot of it but it also has a insta-power feel to it because that is just what it is. Everything from ability to gear and powerful magic items does not feel earned. Which makes it a fun read in some ways because the reader is not bogged down by overwritten training or grinding scene but is also less fulfilling because it is not earned by the protagonist.
The author does put in some good plot points that do in a way expand the power scaling issue as well as lay the ground for rest of the series in terms of what the main character is truly dealing with. The action is fun and the humor and playful teasing between the friends feels read and adds alot to the story. I laughed a lot in all the books. It does play a bit fast and lose with everything and the ending was not surprising to me because the foreshadowing, title and being a nerd I read, or in the case listen, too much into the things.
I do think the hooky cliffhanger was pulled off a bit better but was still annoying. I also realized in book 2 that the author writes The End of book… and it is read by Travis Baldree which disengages me from the story right before the Epilogue is read. This might be an attempt for a post credits type feel but it does not work in story form at all.
The series had become a good one time read with me rereading once it is finished most likely.
Most of the time I give reviews as soon as I finish the book. I have been listening to the series as I drive a truck so I have not been as quick with it. I have gone through the 5 available books. Book two is interesting and reveals the naming convention the A. F. Kay chose to put the book number in the title. The series is told in third person limited, and is appropriate for young adults and above and does try to make RPG elements a natural part of the world. I do think that long multiple pages of character chart read outs are not necessary and do severely hamper the story in terms of pacing. Travis Bladree can only do so much with readouts that can take a couple minutes to get through. Thankful the action, humor and overall fun of the story makes it worth it.
The characters are still engaging to a point and the setting is easily familiar as is the rpg style magic system. With the introduction of a cultivation system coming to the forefront it does feel as if the author is through a bit of everything into the book but also makes the main character a bit op already. Having the clever character overcoming his shortcoming trope is fun as always and seeing the character grow into someone powerful is fun. This series has a lot of it but it also has a insta-power feel to it because that is just what it is. Everything from ability to gear and powerful magic items does not feel earned. Which makes it a fun read in some ways because the reader is not bogged down by overwritten training or grinding scene but is also less fulfilling because it is not earned by the protagonist.
The author does put in some good plot points that do in a way expand the power scaling issue as well as lay the ground for rest of the series in terms of what the main character is truly dealing with. The action is fun and the humor and playful teasing between the friends feels read and adds alot to the story. I laughed a lot in all the books. It does play a bit fast and lose with everything and the ending was not surprising to me because the foreshadowing, title and being a nerd I read, or in the case listen, too much into the things.
I do think the hooky cliffhanger was pulled off a bit better but was still annoying. I also realized in book 2 that the author writes The End of book… and it is read by Travis Baldree which disengages me from the story right before the Epilogue is read. This might be an attempt for a post credits type feel but it does not work in story form at all.
The series had become a good one time read with me rereading once it is finished most likely.
April 22, 2022
It is very rare I leave reviews. I always feel bad saying negative things about someone else's work, but this series has frustrated me to no end. The premise does have some positive qualities so I am continuing to push through this despite my better judgement. These first two books have been so bad I am not even sure where to start.
There is zero character depth. The few attempts at it come across as cheap and trope-leaning. Tropes can be written well, these aren't. I finished this book and realized I am not attached to a single character, especially the MC. He has zero redeeming qualities. Like literally the dumbest imaginable MC you can possibly imagine. As in, is given a life-altering item that could change his friend's future and LITERALLY forgets he has it. I have never read a book before and found myself rooting against the MC.
The MC constantly bickers with his friends in a pathetic attempt to be funny. It just comes across as filler. I cannot explain, how much dialogue is completely wasted and meaningless in this book. It is awful. Like picture what someone thinks children bickering would sound like, while never having been a child and boom you got it. Except these are supposed to be 16 year olds.
So many things are terrible and constantly repeated. For example., people walking into a room and startling our MC so he shrieks and screams. It's just so childish and not in a believable way. Pathetic attempt at comedy maybe? Not sure.
The author constantly tries to explain the MC's flaws as the result of his stats, but even before he received debuffs he is just a bumbling idiot that I cannot like. I WANT to like him and I can't. On multiple occasions, the MC is trying to move or remove something from an object, and with zero testing or study, he just throws his full weight into it and falls backwards landing on his head somehow.
I honestly don't know what the right move is here. I am pushing through based off recommendations I have seen. But I can confidentially say these first two books have been some of the worst books I have actually finished. And after finishing them, I've been left feeling like I wasted my time.
There is zero character depth. The few attempts at it come across as cheap and trope-leaning. Tropes can be written well, these aren't. I finished this book and realized I am not attached to a single character, especially the MC. He has zero redeeming qualities. Like literally the dumbest imaginable MC you can possibly imagine. As in, is given a life-altering item that could change his friend's future and LITERALLY forgets he has it. I have never read a book before and found myself rooting against the MC.
The MC constantly bickers with his friends in a pathetic attempt to be funny. It just comes across as filler. I cannot explain, how much dialogue is completely wasted and meaningless in this book. It is awful. Like picture what someone thinks children bickering would sound like, while never having been a child and boom you got it. Except these are supposed to be 16 year olds.
So many things are terrible and constantly repeated. For example., people walking into a room and startling our MC so he shrieks and screams. It's just so childish and not in a believable way. Pathetic attempt at comedy maybe? Not sure.
The author constantly tries to explain the MC's flaws as the result of his stats, but even before he received debuffs he is just a bumbling idiot that I cannot like. I WANT to like him and I can't. On multiple occasions, the MC is trying to move or remove something from an object, and with zero testing or study, he just throws his full weight into it and falls backwards landing on his head somehow.
I honestly don't know what the right move is here. I am pushing through based off recommendations I have seen. But I can confidentially say these first two books have been some of the worst books I have actually finished. And after finishing them, I've been left feeling like I wasted my time.
September 28, 2020
Note: I listened to an audiobook but as that edition is not currently listed on Goodreads.com I am placing my review here.
I only continued on to this book after giving the prior book 1 star because I already had it loaded on my phone. I was able to complete this book because the author does characters well and his page to page story telling is good. However, once again this author proves that his goal is not to tell a story but to tell a part of story thereby getting readers to return for the rest of the story rather than because he is any good at his job.
Since I would have preferred this book to have been spoiled for me rather than waste my time on an installment presented as a book I shall proceed without regard for spoilers.
In this book the MC manages to save his friend’s life- the cliff hanger book 1 ended on. The MC and co. then proceed on the outing with all the other new initiates to the local mine and dungeon. At the dungeon the MC accidentally drains the dungeon of all but a minute fraction of energy. Entering the dungeon at night to attempt to fix the problem the MC and co. are betrayed by the librarian/father figure who raised the MC after the MC’s parents disappeared. This results in the MC and co. being trapped in the spirit realm. However, the MC comes up with a plan to escape which requires the MC & co. to find a specific location in the spirit realm. The end.
Bottom line: Not a complete book, so a complete waste of time and I don’t expect to ever read anything by this author ever again as there are too many actually good authors to waste time on this dreck.
September 29, 2025
Excellent book two.
I think I was right in my previous review believing book one wasn’t complete. I think book one and two were split into two books but could have remained as one. Regardless…
Fantastic book. Whole way through. Our main trio, Runwen, Sift and Hanna work so well together. They truly feel like a group of friends. They’re hilarious and stupid and loyal. I enjoy all there down time together. They also fight great together, and signs of their developing fighting style as a group are showing and I think they’ll become a formidable group.
The overarching story of the Goddess Uru Champion is really interesting and being touched on just enough to keep it mysterious with just the right amount of tension, whilst also not being all the story is about.
I enjoy the world building especially so far in this series. The power system and how it integrates with the Gods, the Cultivation system, the multiverse world with dungeons with differing levels of sentience, all of it is very well written and makes it a unique and enjoyable story to read.
The dungeon crawling so far I also find great. Each level in Blapy has managed to be challenging and unique. And I’m a sucker for the rewards they get. Blapy and their sense of humour in item descriptions is hilarious.
Runwens two new “personal” companions have a lot of potential. Not only as personalities to developed but as potential storyline’s. I’ll be interested in the backstory of one, and the power and growth of the other.
Onto book three!
I think I was right in my previous review believing book one wasn’t complete. I think book one and two were split into two books but could have remained as one. Regardless…
Fantastic book. Whole way through. Our main trio, Runwen, Sift and Hanna work so well together. They truly feel like a group of friends. They’re hilarious and stupid and loyal. I enjoy all there down time together. They also fight great together, and signs of their developing fighting style as a group are showing and I think they’ll become a formidable group.
The overarching story of the Goddess Uru Champion is really interesting and being touched on just enough to keep it mysterious with just the right amount of tension, whilst also not being all the story is about.
I enjoy the world building especially so far in this series. The power system and how it integrates with the Gods, the Cultivation system, the multiverse world with dungeons with differing levels of sentience, all of it is very well written and makes it a unique and enjoyable story to read.
The dungeon crawling so far I also find great. Each level in Blapy has managed to be challenging and unique. And I’m a sucker for the rewards they get. Blapy and their sense of humour in item descriptions is hilarious.
Runwens two new “personal” companions have a lot of potential. Not only as personalities to developed but as potential storyline’s. I’ll be interested in the backstory of one, and the power and growth of the other.
Onto book three!
December 23, 2020
I never understand these novels. Why do they (the protagonist) feel that they owe a female they just met an explanation? You have secrets that will get you and others killed, and you feel you owe some girl an explanation just because she is curious, and frustrated that she can't figure it out?
I've just realised that if I just ignore the stats sheet I would be able to enjoy these books much better.
This really is some Young Adult foolishness.
I guess the author has to drum up drama where there is none.
I enjoyed the story in the end, there was just too much banter, and the urgent need to spill secrets to others. I will be reading the sequel to see how things go. One good thing the author did was put his stats wall at the beginning and the end, which allowed me to skip them (unlike some authors who put it at the end and/or during the chapters).
This book is for a younger audience and it shows, with some tweaking older persons would be able to enjoy this without cringing or dropping the book in frustration.
3/5 Stars
I've just realised that if I just ignore the stats sheet I would be able to enjoy these books much better.
This really is some Young Adult foolishness.
I guess the author has to drum up drama where there is none.
I enjoyed the story in the end, there was just too much banter, and the urgent need to spill secrets to others. I will be reading the sequel to see how things go. One good thing the author did was put his stats wall at the beginning and the end, which allowed me to skip them (unlike some authors who put it at the end and/or during the chapters).
This book is for a younger audience and it shows, with some tweaking older persons would be able to enjoy this without cringing or dropping the book in frustration.
3/5 Stars
May 2, 2025
It’s taken awhile to get there but it’s nearly there
This has been a so far somewhat awesome, somewhat infuriating series so far.
But it’s finally looking like it’s about to kick into gear.
The first book and 3/4 of this one have honestly been a giant pain to deal with, while also being pretty good at the same time.
World building, plot, system mechanics, supporting characters and general writing quality have been great.
What’s been pretty horrible up until the very end of this book is the MC.
Truly, in the words of characters in the book themselves, he is an absolute id!ot. And very incompetent. Staggeringly so to be honest and in literally everything he does.
It has been quite infuriating. Particularly when intelligence and “cleverness” are his highest and key stats respectively.
I can understand why, but man there are better ways to go about it than brute forcing and browbeating the mc like that into a certain story pathway. It was torture to read. That was 1/10 and am not a fan.
It’s all said and done now but fair warning as I was very close to putting it down and not finishing until I saw some light at the end of the tunnel.
This has been a so far somewhat awesome, somewhat infuriating series so far.
But it’s finally looking like it’s about to kick into gear.
The first book and 3/4 of this one have honestly been a giant pain to deal with, while also being pretty good at the same time.
World building, plot, system mechanics, supporting characters and general writing quality have been great.
What’s been pretty horrible up until the very end of this book is the MC.
Truly, in the words of characters in the book themselves, he is an absolute id!ot. And very incompetent. Staggeringly so to be honest and in literally everything he does.
It has been quite infuriating. Particularly when intelligence and “cleverness” are his highest and key stats respectively.
I can understand why, but man there are better ways to go about it than brute forcing and browbeating the mc like that into a certain story pathway. It was torture to read. That was 1/10 and am not a fan.
It’s all said and done now but fair warning as I was very close to putting it down and not finishing until I saw some light at the end of the tunnel.
August 13, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Over the past year it has become apparent that my reviews are somewhat antagonistic and I apologize to those of you that have taken offense. I think I had hoped to change peoples’ minds about reviewing works of art and that seems to have backfired spectacularly. However, I am still going to be true to myself and write what I believe.
To the author: Thank you for this chance to escape reality and enjoy the world you created! Keep up the good work.
To my fellow reviewers: Messaging me and reviewing my reviews is as productive as trying to shovel water out of the ocean. Stop. I get it. Let’s just all live peacefully.
To potential readers: Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
January 13, 2021
I have read the first three books. The first book was good and definitely worth the read, but was very frustrating for me. The MC was born with abnormally high intelligence, yet was an idiot. He did the dumbest stuff over and over. I know there is a difference between intelligence and wisdom, but he had average wisdom yet acted like he had -10 wisdom. However, as the MC develops, learns, and experiences new things through the first book, and especially the 2nd and 3rd books, he becomes very intelligent actually.
The second thing I hate about the first book is how much they kick his ass and make him suffer. It just kind of got me in a down mood. However, but the end of the first book, this is gone as something happens to make up for it.
The 2nd and third books are amazing, and this series is now one of my favorites.
I rated the first book 4 stars, the other two are 5 stars. I can't wait till the 4th book comes out in two months.
The second thing I hate about the first book is how much they kick his ass and make him suffer. It just kind of got me in a down mood. However, but the end of the first book, this is gone as something happens to make up for it.
The 2nd and third books are amazing, and this series is now one of my favorites.
I rated the first book 4 stars, the other two are 5 stars. I can't wait till the 4th book comes out in two months.
August 20, 2023
Too feminist
While not terrible, they are short and frustrating.
The males are constantly degraded by females, and by the author.
This isn't funny when it's often. Once or twice, fine, while showing equality and doing similar to the females. But when it's often, while depicting the females as totally amazing, pure, and smarter etc, it becomes pathetically feminist.
And virtually all the greatest people and Gods are female. And it's not because of a special reason like in Wheel of Time, it's simply because of simping and feminism. It's despicable and not enjoyable to read.
It's unfortunately hard to find good books these days that don't capitulate the feminist agenda. Men need to wake up and realize how manipulated they are and resist. Feminism is degrading our boys and making them extremely weak, which will have massive repercussions...
While not terrible, they are short and frustrating.
The males are constantly degraded by females, and by the author.
This isn't funny when it's often. Once or twice, fine, while showing equality and doing similar to the females. But when it's often, while depicting the females as totally amazing, pure, and smarter etc, it becomes pathetically feminist.
And virtually all the greatest people and Gods are female. And it's not because of a special reason like in Wheel of Time, it's simply because of simping and feminism. It's despicable and not enjoyable to read.
It's unfortunately hard to find good books these days that don't capitulate the feminist agenda. Men need to wake up and realize how manipulated they are and resist. Feminism is degrading our boys and making them extremely weak, which will have massive repercussions...
February 19, 2020
I loved this book. It's a unique take on the LitRPG genre, and a blend of cultivation, dungeon dive, and skill grinding. The dialog was fun, but not overdone, like some authors do where every interaction is a joke or an 80's reference that nobody but the main character understands. The main character, Ruwen, is a thoughtful protagonist and not prone to infuriating impulse killings, or playing with magics beyond his capabilities. He's just trying to get an understanding of his powers when his trial didn't proceed as he expected. It's a good, well thought out story (great in comparison to the rest of the genre) with characters you care about, and enough going on to keep pages turning throughout the night.
Overall, an excellent second effort by A.F. Kay! Kudos!
Overall, an excellent second effort by A.F. Kay! Kudos!
July 27, 2020
Fantastic Second Entry in The Series
I think my favorite part about this series are the character interactions between the MC and the great cast of side characters. In particular, the 16 year old MC and his best friend of similar age are hilariously spot on for goofy best buddies. I probably laugh out loud or giggle at least once a chapter and am grinning right now just thinking about them.
Outside of the fantastic character interactions, great world building continues and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book three!
So if you enjoyed book one, you’ll love book two and if you haven’t picked up this awesome new LitRPG series yet then get out there and grab book one now!
I think my favorite part about this series are the character interactions between the MC and the great cast of side characters. In particular, the 16 year old MC and his best friend of similar age are hilariously spot on for goofy best buddies. I probably laugh out loud or giggle at least once a chapter and am grinning right now just thinking about them.
Outside of the fantastic character interactions, great world building continues and I can’t wait to see what happens next in book three!
So if you enjoyed book one, you’ll love book two and if you haven’t picked up this awesome new LitRPG series yet then get out there and grab book one now!
July 3, 2022
The Second Betrayal
Ruwen has been learning a lot and growing stronger. He and Sift are able to go to the Black Pyramid and make use of the time dilation and get in four times the training. He might need it if he will survive Big D’s field trip with interested parties trying to kill him!
This series just keeps getting better! This book explores the inner workings of the Black Pyramid. The mechanics are very interesting and I’m excited to see where it is going. At this point, I’d love to see a Black Pyramid dungeon core book. Needless to say, I will be reading book three. Travis Baldree does amazing job as always.
Content warning: none
Ruwen has been learning a lot and growing stronger. He and Sift are able to go to the Black Pyramid and make use of the time dilation and get in four times the training. He might need it if he will survive Big D’s field trip with interested parties trying to kill him!
This series just keeps getting better! This book explores the inner workings of the Black Pyramid. The mechanics are very interesting and I’m excited to see where it is going. At this point, I’d love to see a Black Pyramid dungeon core book. Needless to say, I will be reading book three. Travis Baldree does amazing job as always.
Content warning: none
August 28, 2022
Rating: 2.5
DNF around 70%. There were parts of this that I enjoyed…mainly everything that wasn't part of the Black Pyramid quests/level clearings. Seeing more of the Worker class was fun and we were finally getting to the group outing with all of the classes, but then we had to go back and do more leveling up and cultivating. I felt like the author was trying to do too much at one time and after reading yet another dungeon level section and trying to force my way through it, I realized that I just didn’t care anymore. I may come back to finish this book at a later date but I won't be continuing the series.
DNF around 70%. There were parts of this that I enjoyed…mainly everything that wasn't part of the Black Pyramid quests/level clearings. Seeing more of the Worker class was fun and we were finally getting to the group outing with all of the classes, but then we had to go back and do more leveling up and cultivating. I felt like the author was trying to do too much at one time and after reading yet another dungeon level section and trying to force my way through it, I realized that I just didn’t care anymore. I may come back to finish this book at a later date but I won't be continuing the series.
August 26, 2024
3.7/5
Okay, i hated the first part of it. the writing and dialogues were like a visual novel, very novelish and the dialogues didnt feel like they were coming from ppl. it followed too much of a template.
the progress of the mc in the first half was pathetic and it felt nothing was happening. but when he figured out and ate the dungeon, it was good and then things became interesting.
but i was complaining the op didnt do anything but now he got too op too fast. and the betrayal?? hmm he did help again. lol.
the prologue gave the ending away i felt. like it was made way too obvious. now let see what happens.
Okay, i hated the first part of it. the writing and dialogues were like a visual novel, very novelish and the dialogues didnt feel like they were coming from ppl. it followed too much of a template.
the progress of the mc in the first half was pathetic and it felt nothing was happening. but when he figured out and ate the dungeon, it was good and then things became interesting.
but i was complaining the op didnt do anything but now he got too op too fast. and the betrayal?? hmm he did help again. lol.
the prologue gave the ending away i felt. like it was made way too obvious. now let see what happens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
Well done
I really enjoy the LitRPG genre. I have read a bunch of series since the quarantine started in March of 2020. I think I've read and listened to something like 60 books in that time. Alot of it has been LitRPG, and after a couple months and a few different series I started to get a little bored with the genre.
These 2 books have revived my love for the style and I cant wait to read the 3rd book. I enjoy the characters and the different take on the Main Character hes a worker. He has to learn to embrace it, I appreciate that.
I really enjoy the LitRPG genre. I have read a bunch of series since the quarantine started in March of 2020. I think I've read and listened to something like 60 books in that time. Alot of it has been LitRPG, and after a couple months and a few different series I started to get a little bored with the genre.
These 2 books have revived my love for the style and I cant wait to read the 3rd book. I enjoy the characters and the different take on the Main Character hes a worker. He has to learn to embrace it, I appreciate that.
January 13, 2023
A huge improvement over the previous books. Ruwen still did some reckless and arguably stupid things. But they were often based on a lack of information rather than being immature and stupid.
We also get to see some cultivation done in this one which is interesting.
A little disappointed at the end, because we knew we were going there. It was very very obvious, a little too obvious. Tho, the exact betrayal was one I didn't exactly see coming. (which isn't a spoiler, it's literally the title of the book)
We also get to see some cultivation done in this one which is interesting.
A little disappointed at the end, because we knew we were going there. It was very very obvious, a little too obvious. Tho, the exact betrayal was one I didn't exactly see coming. (which isn't a spoiler, it's literally the title of the book)
December 1, 2025
forced difficulty
Forced to be an observer since book one and in this book only had any impact at the last 20% of the book and nothing even crazy that couldn’t have been altered. It felt more like the author was keeping mage abilities away from Ruwen for no reason in order to artificially make him struggle more when fights arise. Overall way better than the first but it felt like the author isn’t confident in the worlds power system he created to give ruwen combat focused abilities. Especially since there is essentially no concrete power scaling yet
Forced to be an observer since book one and in this book only had any impact at the last 20% of the book and nothing even crazy that couldn’t have been altered. It felt more like the author was keeping mage abilities away from Ruwen for no reason in order to artificially make him struggle more when fights arise. Overall way better than the first but it felt like the author isn’t confident in the worlds power system he created to give ruwen combat focused abilities. Especially since there is essentially no concrete power scaling yet
February 13, 2020
Shades first rule when in doubt reread
Book 1 was a fun interesting read same as book 2. My only "real" complaint is too much time in both are spent in blapy. A good dungeon crawl is fun and that "little" girl is funny and sarcastic but not much time is spent advancing the story. I didnt spot any typos so his editors are on point. Well other than purposeful typos when blapy sets quests to throw the team off. I enjoy the mix of cultivation and game leveling.
Book 1 was a fun interesting read same as book 2. My only "real" complaint is too much time in both are spent in blapy. A good dungeon crawl is fun and that "little" girl is funny and sarcastic but not much time is spent advancing the story. I didnt spot any typos so his editors are on point. Well other than purposeful typos when blapy sets quests to throw the team off. I enjoy the mix of cultivation and game leveling.
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